Vaginal colonization with Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus as a risk factor for post-cesarean section febrile morbidity.

Vaginal colonization of mothers with Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) has been recognized as a risk factor for neonatal morbidity. The relationship of GBS colonization to risks for the mother who undergoes cesarean section has not been defined. In this study, we found that, among patients who underwent cesarean section, the 19% of them who were colonized with GBS had a higher incidence of standard fever (66.6% vs. 30.5%), clinical diagnosis of endomyometritis (61.1% vs. 12.5%), and use of antibiotics (61.1% vs. 26.3%) in relationship to a significantly increased frequency of premature rupture of the membranes (50.0% vs. 14.8%). Reasons for the association between vaginal colonization and increased morbidity are discussed.