Group B Streptococcal Colonization in Mothers and Infants in Western China: Prevalences and Risk Factors

Background The epidemiology of maternal and infant Group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization is poorly understood in China. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with maternal and infant GBS colonization in Western China. Methods From January 2017 to June 2017, a prospective study was conducted to estimate the maternal and infant GBS colonization rate by maternal rectovaginal and infant nasopharynx, ear canal and umbilical swab culture. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the risk factors associated with GBS colonization of mothers and infants. Results The GBS colonization rate in mothers and infants was 6.1 and 0.7%, respectively. The vertical transmission rate was 7.6%. The early onset GBS infection rate was 0.58 per 1000 live births and mortality was 0.29 per 1000 live births. Age younger than 40 years ( p = 0.040) and minority ethnic status ( p = 0.049) were associated with higher GBS colonization rate in pregnant women. Positive GBS status in the mother prior to delivery ( p < 0.001 ) as well as longer duration of membrane rupture (≥12 h) ( p < 0.001) and longer labor (≥4 h) ( p < 0.001 ) were all significant risk factors for GBS colonization in infants. Compared to infants without GBS colonization, infants colonized with GBS were more likely to have had a temperature of ≥38 °C ( p < 0.001), developed early onset infection (EOD) ( p < 0.001), and been prescribed antibiotics ( p < 0.001). Furthermore, infants with GBS were more likely to have been admitted to neonatal intensive unit (NICU) ( p < 0.001) with a longer hospital length of stay (LOS) ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Maternal GBS colonization, longer duration of membrane rupture and labor were all major risk factors associated with GBS colonization in Chinese infants. Infant GBS colonization was associated with increased risk of EOD and NICU admission as well as longer LOS.