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Differential rates of group B streptococcus ( GBS ) colonisation in pregnant women in a racially diverse area of London, UK : a cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Gopal Rao G,
Hiles S,
Bassett P,
Lamagni T
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/1471-0528.15648
Subject(s) - colonisation , group b , streptococcus , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , colonization , genetics , bacteria
Objective To describe the epidemiology of maternal group B streptococcus ( GBS) colonisation by racial group. Design Cross‐sectional study. Setting Antenatal clinics in London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust. Population Pregnant women. Methods Group B streptococcus ( GBS ) colonisation status was recorded during a screening programme for the prevention of invasive early‐onset GBS infection. Information regarding age, address, ethnicity, parity, mode of delivery, body mass index ( BMI ), and diabetes was routinely collected. Data were analysed by multivariable analysis. Main outcome measures Association between GBS colonisation and putative risk factors. Results Overall, 29.1% (1836/6309) of the women were colonized with GBS . Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher colonisation among women of black African origin (39.5%; OR = 1.57) compared with white British women (27.4%), and lowest colonisation in women of South Asian origin (23.3%; OR = 0.8). Higher parity (≥2) was associated with higher colonisation (35.3%), with the odds of colonisation over 40% higher than for nulliparous women. Increasing BMI was associated with an incremental rise in colonisation from 23 to 35%. Colonisation was not associated with age, season or mode of testing. Conclusion This study identified high maternal GBS colonisation rates in a racially and socially diverse population. The highest rates were seen in women of black African origin and also with higher parity and BMI . Further research is needed to understand the relationship between these factors and rectovaginal colonisation. Tweetable abstract Study of group B streptococcus colonisation in pregnant women in London shows highest rates in black African women and those with high BMI and parity.