TO STUDY THE PREVALENCE AND EFFECTS OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION AT 35-37 WEEKS OF GESTATION IN NORMAL ASYMPTOMATIC PRIMIGRAVIDA

Abstract

Background: The importance of GBS emerged in 1937, when three maternal deaths occurred out of seven GBS (Group B Streptococcal) related puerperal sepsis cases, until then GBS is regarded just as commensal. Puerperal sepsis has been described for centuries. Ancient Indian texts in 1500 B.C have recorded that good hygiene leads to a reduction in the perinatal disease. Streptococcus is a causative organism for puerperal sepsis.

Materials and Methods: Primigravida women of 35-37 weeks of gestation attending the antenatal op and wards of Government maternity hospital, Tirupati, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Duration of study: July 2012- October 2013.

Results: The prevalence of group B streptococcal colonization in asymptomatic primigravida in the study population is 7%. The maternal colonization with group B streptococci is not related to age of the patients.

Keywords: Group B Streptococcal, Vaginal colonization, Primigravida, Kadapa