OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) of group B Streptococcus (GBS) cultures at 35-37 weeks of gestation relative to GBS colonization status at delivery.
METHODS:
Rectovaginal swabs from 221 women at labor in four Lisbon hospitals were collected for GBS screening according to the CDC guidelines.
RESULTS:
The PPV was 24.4%. IAP was administered to 100% of prenatally GBS positive women. There was no case of early onset GBS disease (EOD).
CONCLUSIONS:
Poor accuracy of prenatal cultures in identifying true candidates for IAP highlights the need for Portuguese clinical and laboratory guidelines to prevent EOD and antibiotic overtreatment of pregnant women.
