Detection of genital colonization of group B

Abstract

Objective: To detect group B streptococcal carrier state of Saudi females during 3rd trimester of pregnancy and to assess type of specimens and the techniques used for the ?rganism detection. Methods: A total of 867 consecutive vaginal and rectal swabs were obtained from 217 pregnant women at ;:::28 weeks of gestation and their follow up testing from King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Swab-specimens were cultured comparatively on Islam and Edwards blood agar plates, and into selective Lim broth. Enrichment Lim broth cultures (;:::12 hours) with and without positive modified coagglutination test were then subcultured on Islam and Edwards sheep blood agar plates, Presumptive colonies were then tested for group B streptococcus identity by convential biochemical reactions, serogrouping and serotyping, Collected neonatal swab-specimens (184) were also treated similarly,