Pathogenic mechanism, detection methods and clinical significance of group B Streptococcus

Future Microbiol. 2021 Jun:16:671-685. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0189. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the main pathogen of perinatal infection. It can lead to adverse pregnancy, maternal infection, premature delivery, abortion, stillbirth and a series of adverse maternal and infant outcomes such as neonatal sepsis, meningitis or pneumonia during delivery. In order to reduce the infection of perinatal pregnant and the adverse pregnancy outcome, more attention should be paid in the clinical practice, screening efforts, universal detection of GBS infection for pregnant women and preventive treatment for the possible mother infant infection. In this study, the biological characteristics, immunophenotype, major pathogenic mechanism, laboratory test methods and clinical significance of GBS are summarized.

Keywords: GBS; clinical significance; detection method; pathogenic mechanism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae* / isolation & purification
  • Streptococcus agalactiae* / pathogenicity