Streptococus spp. in pregnancy, pathology and advances in early detection

Abstract

Streptococcus spp has acquired great importance due to the high pathogenicity of its different species around the world. The Group B Streptococcus is commonly found in the vaginal area of pregnant women, which at delivery may lead to contamination of the newborn. Only some of these infants develop the infection and may present sepsis, meningitis, neonatal pneumonia, among other complications, including permanent neurological sequelae, delayed growth and death. Preventive strategies include screening and early detection to avoid the risk of infection. In recent decades the use of molecular techniques for early diagnosis and treatment has increased that would decrease morbidity and mortality attributed to Group B Streptococcus.