Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus (GBS)) colonisation and persistence, in pregnancy; a comparison of two diverse communities (rural and urban)

Cent Afr J Med. 2006 Mar-Apr;52(3-4):38-43.

Abstract

Objective: To establish the extent of GBS colonisation, persistence of colonisation in pregnancy and influence of obstetric history in two diverse communities (rural and urban) in Zimbabwe.

Design: Cross sectional survey.

Setting: Rutsanana Clinic in Highfield, Harare (representing the urban area) and Chitsungo Mission Hospital in Lower Guruve, (representing the rural area).

Subjects: 300 and 100 pregnant women from the urban and rural areas respectively.

Main outcome measures: GBS colonisation and persistence rates for both urban and rural areas were established, together with pregnancy outcome.

Results: Mother colonisation rate was significantly higher in the rural areas (60%) as compared to the urban areas (46%). GBS colonisation persistence was evidently more in rural (48%) that in urban women (12%). Baby colonisation was also more in the rural (23%) that in urban area (5%). In both the rural and urban areas, flu-like illness was a common feature and was equally reported by the subjects. Vaginal discharge requiring treatment, previous stillbirths and previous miscarriages were equally reported in both communities.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population*
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Urban Population*
  • Zimbabwe