The association of preterm labor with vaginal colonization of group B streptococci

Abstract

Background: Group B streptococcus is regarded as a potential factor for adverse outcomes of pregnancy such as preterm birth. Objective: To study the association of maternal vaginal colonization with group B streptococcus (GBS) and preterm labor. Materials and Methods: From April 2005 to May 2006, vaginal culture for GBS were conducted in 101 laboring women with a gestational age of 24-37 weeks and 105 women admitted for term delivery at maternity center of Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman,