Wei CF, She BC, Liang HS, Ling QD, Tsai CY, Yen CW, Wu HY, Tsai MS
Prenatal Group B Streptococcus test using real-time polymerase chain reaction. [Journal Article]
Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2009 Jun; 48(2):116-9.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of pregnant women with negative Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening results by culture at 35 weeks' gestation, who subsequently had positive GBS test results after 39 weeks' gestation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2007, we recruited 150 pregnant women who received routine GBS culture screening at 35 weeks' gestation with negative results, and who had repeat cultures and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for GBS after 39 weeks' gestation.
RESULTS: Two percent of pregnant women with GBS-negative results by culture screening at 35 weeks' gestation were GBS-positive at 39 weeks' gestation.
CONCLUSION: It is necessary to perform a GBS test 4 weeks after an initial negative GBS culture at 35-37 weeks of gestation. RT-PCR provides a simple and rapid alternative method for detecting rectovaginal GBS colonization at the time of labor.
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