Importancia del diagnóstico del streptococo b hemolítico en el embarazo

Abstract

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract of humans. In pregnant women, colonization by this bacterium carries the risk of vertical transmission to the newborn, becoming a risk factor for the development of early-onset neonatal disease. Methodology: This is a narrative literature review, an extensive examination of the literature, regarding the significance of diagnosing group B streptococcus during pregnancy using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scielo, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct, employing a portion of the PRISMA strategy. Results: Group B Streptococcus infection during pregnancy is a condition with high potential morbidity and mortality that is potentially preventable. It is important to emphasize that the treatment proven to be effective in preventing vertical transmission of Group B Streptococcus is penicillin as the first-choice antibiotic. Conclusions: Screening for Group B Streptococcus should be performed in all pregnant women to prevent septic complications during childbirth. Furthermore, it should be recognized that although screening kits are available in Ecuador, public health policies should be promoted to increase awareness among pregnant women. Although not yet implemented as a first-line treatment, the use of probiotics such as Lactobacillus Salivarius should be considered, as it has demonstrated to be the best probiotic candidate for eradicating Group B Streptococcus.