Abstract:
Background: Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococci (GBS), is a typical
component of the microbiota in the female genital tract and anal areas of healthy people. Preterm
labor (PTL), premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), chorioamnionitis, postpartum
endometritis, and perinatal transmission of the organism are all pregnancy-related disorders that may
be brought on by maternal GBS colonization. Neonates born to mothers who have GBS colonization
in their genital tracts are susceptible to acquiring Streptococcus agalactiae during delivery. In infants,
GBS can result in meningitis and sepsis.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern
and associated factors, among pregnant women at Debre birhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Methods: an institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 24, 2023 to June 15,
2023. Consecutive sampling technique was used taking all until sample reach. Questionnaires were
used to obtain data on socio-demographic, obstetric, and clinical factors. Vaginal swabs was
collected and transported to the Microbiology laboratory by using amies transport media, then it was
inoculated on a Blood agar plate and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Growth (Beta haemolysis) and
gram stain and catalase test, Christie, Atkins, Munch, Peterson factor were performed. Antimicrobial
susceptibility testing was done by the disk diffusion technique following the Clinical and Laboratory
Standards Institute (2022) guideline. The data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 then exported to
SPSS version 25 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression was performed. P-value <0.05 is
considered for statistical significance.
Result: Overall prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae among pregnant women was 9.9% (95% CI
5.5-15.7). Maternal Urinary tract infection history (AOR 7.017, 95% CI 1.599-30.791), and
Premature rapture of membrane (AOR=8.638, 95% CI 1.639, 27.387) has been found statistically
significant for maternal colonization. All GBS isolates were susceptible to penicillin G, ampicillin,
Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, and vancomycin whereas showed resistance to clindamycin (11.1%),
chloramphenicol (5.6%), and erythromycin (16.7%), but there were no multiple drug resistance seen.
Conclusion: The Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) carriage rate lower than studies in Ethiopia as
well as global estimates. Maternal urinary tract infection history on current pregnancy and history of
premature rapture of membrane (PROM) have been found statistically significant. Antimicrobial
resistance pattern showed alarming for not prescribe antimicrobial before drug sensitivity test.
Screening of Antenatal care attendants for GBS and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be
performed.
Keywords: Group B streptococcus, prevalence, Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern
