Antibiotic resistance of group B streptococcus in pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation in Southern Vietnam

Introduction. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most frequent cause of early onset neonatal sepsis. The objective of the study was to assess antibiotic resistance of GBS in pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation in South Vietnam. Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and May 2019 in Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Can Tho Maternity Hospital (Vietnam) to determine the incidence of GBS infection. Anorectal and vaginal samples were taken from 203 pregnant women attending an antenatal examination at 35-37 weeks of gestation. Specimens showing a positive result for GBS were evaluated to identify antibiotic resistance using the Kirby-Bauer test. Results. The positive GBS rate in pregnant women was 16.3%. The rate of antibiotic resistance in the GBS-positive samples analysed was as follows: Vancomycin (resistant 18.2%, sensitive 81.8%), Cefazolin (resistant 30.3%, sensitive 69.7%), Erythromycin (resistant 24.2%, intermediate 9.1%, sensitive 63.7%), Clindamycin (resistant 63.7%, intermediate 3% and sensitive 33.3%), and Ampicillin (resistant 87.9%, sensitive 12.1%). In Vietnam, antibiotic prophylaxis for infection prevention in pregnant women with positive GBS includes Cefazolin and Vancomycin. Conclusions. Pregnant women should be tested for GBS infection, ideally between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy. During labour, antibiotics such as Cefazolin and Vancomycin are most effective for preventing infections.