Incidence of Vaginal Colonization of Group B Streptococci among Pregnant Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital – Chennai, India

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B (GBS) is an important pathogen, which can cause serious illness and sometimes death especially in newborns, pregnant women people with compromised immune system. The major risk factor for neonatal disease vaginal colonization of GBS during pregnancy delivery. 1) To study the incidence among women. 2) compare efficacy sheep blood agar vs selective medium like HiCHROME Strep Selective (HIMEDIA) isolation GBS. Vaginal swabs were collected from 150 antenatal at 35-37 weeks gestation any gestational age if additional factors present. cultured on non-selective Blood a chromogenic (HiCHROME Agar, HiMedia). was identified by standard microbiological techniques. Bluish, purple-colored colonies confirmed as CAMP test latex agglutination test. Only 3 out (2%) screened colonized Incidence quite low, compared to literature West. All babies born three healthy no indication invasive disease. supported growth Enterococcus spp. only useful