PREVALÊNCIA DA COLONIZAÇÃO POR ESTREPTOCOCOS DO GRUPO B EM GESTANTES ATENDIDAS EM AMBULATÓRIO DE PRÉ-NATAL DE ALTO RISCO CONVENIADO AO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE

Abstract

Colonization by Group B streptococcus (GBS) is, worldwide, highly prevalent among pregnant women, ranging from 4% to 30%. GBS is a relevant cause of neonatal infection represented by pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. The maternal gastrointestinal tract is its natural reservoir and is likely the source of vaginal colonization. Transmission to the newborn occurs mainly during labor or rupture of membranes and can cause serious consequences for the newborn: In our country, prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis have not yet been adopted. Therefore, it is essential to know the prevalence of colonized pregnant women as well as the risk factors associated with colonization so that strategies based on tracking the microorganism are adopted and effective in preventing neonatal disease. This study aims to assess the prevalence of GBS in the genital and perianal tract in pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation and to identify the risk factors associated with this colonization. A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to July 2008. Twenty-two vaginal and perianal samples of pregnant women attended at the Varginha Maternal and Child Support Center (NAMI) were analyzed using two sterile swabs with subsequent inoculation of the same in through Todd-Hewitt. The data sheet referring to risk factors for the pregnancy of each patient was completed by the head nurse of the center and the data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. The presumptive identification of the microorganism was given by the CAMP Test. Hippurate hydrolysis and susceptibility to antimicrobials Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (Sulfazotrim) and Bacitracin. A high prevalence rate of colonization by GBS was detected (27.2%) and there was no statistical relationship between clinical risk factors present in pregnant women and maternal positivity by GBS. Thus, the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant women from the NAMI found in this study was high, considering the importance of implementing prophylactic strategies based on culture to detect Sagalactiae, since the risk factors related to colonization were not statistically significant.