1. High Rate of Serotype V Streptococcus agalactiae Carriage in Pregnant Women in Botswana.
- Author
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A'Hearn-Thomas B, Khatami A, Randis TM, Vurayai M, Mokomane M, Arscott-Mills T, Banda FM, Mazhani T, Lepere T, Gaolebale P, Nchingane S, Chamby A, Gegick M, Suzman E, Steenhoff AP, and Ratner AJ
- Subjects
- Adult, Botswana epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Mothers, Pregnancy, Rectum microbiology, Risk Factors, Serogroup, Streptococcal Infections epidemiology, Vagina microbiology, Young Adult, Carrier State epidemiology, Carrier State microbiology, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious epidemiology, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious microbiology, Streptococcus agalactiae isolation & purification
- Abstract
Maternal rectovaginal colonization is the major risk factor for early-onset neonatal sepsis due to Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a major cause of early life morbidity and mortality. Transmission generally occurs perinatally from colonized mothers to infants. Vaccines targeting a subset of GBS serotypes are under development, but GBS epidemiology remains poorly understood in many African nations. We performed a cross-sectional study of GBS colonization among pregnant women at two sites in Botswana, a country with minimal prior GBS carriage data. We found a rectovaginal colonization rate of 19%, comparable with studies in other regions; however, we also noted a striking predominance of serotype V (> 45% of strains). Although further studies are required to delineate the burden of invasive GBS disease in Botswana and the generalizability of type V epidemiology, these data provide a useful baseline for understanding the potential local impact of GBS prevention strategies, including vaccines.
- Published
- 2019
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