[Relationship between neonatal group B streptococcal colonization and the maternal urogenital and anorectal system carrier state].

In pregnant women, the main reservoirs of group B streptococci are rectum and urethra. The mother's birth canal and the newborn infant easily contact the organisms from these sites. We studied 40 women and their newborn babies to determine the relation between the maternal carriage and the neonatal group B streptococcal colonization. Vaginal, urethral and rectal swabs obtained from all pregnant women during labor. Within a few minutes after birth and on day 4 of life swab specimens were also taken from the external auditory canal, throat and umbilicus of the infants. The overall maternal carriage rate was found to be 10.0 percent. The frequency of transmission to the neonates was found to be 25.0 percent among maternal carriers. In early neonatal period, the colonization rate of group B streptococci was found to be 2,5 percent among the newborn population.