Can the administration of probiotics in pregnant mothers reduce Group B streptococcus maternal colonization and mother-to-infant vertical transmission?

Group B streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the vagina and gastrointestinal tract in 10% –30% of women and can cause life-threatening diseases in pregnant women and neonates (1). Without intervention, the risk of vertical transmission occurs in approximately 50% of infants born to GBS-colonized mothers and approximately 1%–2% of them develop clinical infection. Maternal colonization of GBS is a major risk factor for early- and late-onset diseases, including GBS sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis, which result in considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Source: Pediatrics and Neonatology - February 27, 2024 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Shiuh-Bin Fang Tags: Editorial Source Type: research