Maternal group B Streptococcus and the infant gut microbiota

Gut microbiota and probiotics in maternal and infant health.

The interplay between both heredity and environmental factors seems to affect every stage of development from conception to the early postnatal period with potential long-term effects on child and adult health. During pregnancy, immune and metabolic functions of the fetus are dependent on the mother; moreover, the refinement of these functions seems to commence inside the uterus and to be diet ...

Maternal Group B Streptococcus colonisation

Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is an important neonatal pathogen known to cause sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia. Australian pregnant women undergo screening during pregnancy in an effort to eradicate GBS before delivery where transmission to the neonate can occur. Preventative treatment includes intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and results in widespr...

Gut Microbiota and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Maternal Obesity and Rectovaginal Group B Streptococcus Colonization at Term

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that maternal obesity is an independent risk factor for rectovaginal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization at term. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of consecutive women with singleton term pregnancies admitted in labor at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (2004-2008). Maternal BMI≥30 Kg/m2 (obese) or <30 Kg/m2 (nonobese) defined the two comparison groups. The ...

Gut Microbiota and Chronic Hepatitis B and C Viruses-Induced Cirrhosis

Hepatitis B and C viruses are major public health problems. These viruses can chronically lead to liver disease such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which often increase mortality in these patients. According to previous studies, the liver is highly affected by changes in the microbiota of gastrointestinal tract and immune system damage caused by inflammation due to viral ...