SILENT INTRUDERS: HOW STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE AFFECTED THE PREGNANCY OF PRETERM BIRTHS

Fisnik Sinani; Jadranka Georgievska; Sajra Birdaini

doi:10.35120/medisij040421s

Authors

Fisnik Sinani Kosovo University Hospital and Clinical Service, Clinic for gynecology and obstetrics, Prishtina, Kosovo Author
Jadranka Georgievska University Clinic for gynecology and obstetrics, Medical faculty Skopje, North Macedonia Author
Sajra Birdaini Regional Hospital “Daut Mustafa” Prizren – Kosovo; Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij040421s

Keywords:

Streptococcus agalactiae, preterm birth, bacterial vaginosis, inflammation

Abstract

Cervico-vaginal infection with Streptococus agalactiae is a known risk factor for premature rupture of amniotic membranes and preterm birth, significantly increasing the incidence of neonatal complication such as sepsis, pneumonia, neonatal meningitis etc. This study analyzes the impact of cervico-vaginal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae on preterm birth using clinically collected data from our patients.This prospective, analytical study included 819 women with preterm delivery in the period between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, at the University Hospital and Clinical Service of Kosovo, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Prishtina, Kosovo. Cervico-vaginal samples were collected and analyzed for Streptococcus agalactiae using standard microbiological and PCR methods. Preterm birth was defined according to WHO guidelines (birth before the 37th week of gestation). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26 with the Chi-square (χ²) test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. As statistically significant was used p <0.0001. The prevalence of cervico-vaginal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae was 11.44% (74 cases). Infection was associated with significantly increased leukocytes and CRP in mothers and newborns, lower birth weight, lower Apgar scores, and a higher probability of cesarean section. A statistically significant association was found between infection and preterm birth (p<0.0001). Cervico-vaginal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae significantly contributes to preterm birth. Early screening and treatment of this infection is essential for preventing preterm birth.

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