Causal Relationships of Maternal Group B Streptococci to Premature Rupture of Membranes and Preterm Delivery

Kim, M C; Lee, J W; Uh, Y

Abstract

Our purpose was to determine whether maternal colonization of group B strpetococci is associated with premature rupture of membrane and preterm delivery. Vaginal, anorectal and urethral swab specimens from 459 pregnant women attending the Wonju Christian Hospital during the period of May 1995 to January 1996 were cultured with new Granada medium and selective Todd-Hewitt broth. Ten pregnant women with underlying factors of preterm delivery such as twin pregnancies, hydramnios, uterine myoma, and other medico-surgical problems were excluded. Statistical comparisons were performed by use of unpaired two-tailed t tests and 2 analysis. Of 449 women, 56 and 22 were premature rupture of membrane and preterm delivery, respectively. Twenty five women among 449 pregnant women had cultured positive for group B streptococci. Women with premature rupture of membranes were higher colonization rate of group B streptococci than women without premature rupture of membranes, a statistically significant difference (14.3% vs 4.3%, p < 0.01; odds ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence limits, 1.5 to 9.0). However, there was no difference of positive culture rate of group B streptococci between preterm delivery and normal delivery. In conclusion, these data suggest a causal relationship between group B streptococci colonization and events leading to premature rupture of membranes.