Find in Library

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><strong>Background: </strong><em>Streptococcus agalactiae</em> is the leading cause of preventable invasive neonatal infections. Detection of maternal colonisation and use of antimicrobial prophylaxis during labour is a standard preventative approach. Very few data about the prevalence of colonisation with <em>S. agalactiae</em> among pregnant women in Slovenia are available.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed a retrospective study of consecutive samples from pregnant women screened for <em>S. agalactiae</em> colonisation with enrichment culture during the period 2013-2014. Basic demographic data, specimen type, timing and result of the assay were analysed. Cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility for the positive samples was calculated.  </p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During 2 years study period 1564 pregnant women were tested. Mean age 31 years (18-46 years). Among samples received, majority were vaginal swabs 57,0 % (n=893). Recommended combined vaginal-rectal swabs were received in 12,9 % (n=192). Overall prevalence of maternal colonisation was 17,1 % (n=268) and did not differ with regard to specimen type. Resistance or reduced susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin was 23,1 % (n=62) and 20,9 % (n=56), respectively. No resistance to penicillin and vancomycin was detected.</p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Few pregnant women get screened for <em>S. agalactiae</em> in Slovenia. Nevertheless, high colonisation rate was detected on a large sample size. Most samples were taken during the proposed period between 35-37 week of pregnancy. Recommended combined vaginal-rectal were less frequently taken for screening than vaginal swabs only. Penicillin and vancomycin remains universally active against <em>S. agalactiae.</em> However, erythromycin and clindamycin resistance was high.