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Understanding Group B Streptococcus: A Critical Pregnancy Concern 

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) poses a significant threat to maternal and infant health in the Philippines and worldwide. This common bacterium can lead to severe infections in pregnant women, newborns, and infants under three months old. Understanding the risks associated with GBS is crucial for expectant mothers and healthcare providers alike. 

Prevalence and Transmission 

• GBS colonization rates among pregnant women range from 10% to 30% globally. 
• Vertical transmission of GBS from mother to newborn during labor and delivery occurs in approximately 50% of cases without preventive measures. 
• Newborns and infants under 3 months old are at highest risk for developing severe GBS infections, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. 
• Early-onset GBS infections (within the first week of life) typically result from transmission during labor and delivery. 
• Late-onset GBS infections (after the first week up to 3 months) can occur through transmission from the mother or other sources in the environment. 

Potential Consequences for Newborns 

• Sepsis (life-threatening bloodstream infection) 
• Pneumonia (lung infection) 
• Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) 

Potential Consequences for Pregnant Women 

• Urinary tract infections 
• Chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes surrounding the fetus) 
• Postpartum infections (infections occurring after childbirth) 

The Importance of Group B Streptococcus Screening in the Philippines 

Benefits of Universal GBS Screening 

• Early identification of GBS colonization in expectant mothers 
• Timely administration of appropriate antibiotics during labor 
• Significantly reduced risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns 
• Improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes 
• Rapid and accurate detection of GBS using advanced diagnostic tools like the Molbio Truenat® GBS test 

Molbio Truenat® GBS: Reliable Testing for Safer Pregnancies 

Molbio Truenat® GBS represents a significant breakthrough in protecting pregnancies from Group B Streptococcus in the Philippines. This innovative test allows for semiquantitative detection of GBS in various specimens, providing crucial information for healthcare providers. With its high sensitivity and specificity, Truenat GBS accurately determines GBS colonization during labor, enabling timely interventions to safeguard both mother and child. 

The Molbio Truenat® GBS test equips healthcare providers with rapid, reliable results, allowing for informed decision-making during critical stages of pregnancy. By integrating this advanced testing method into prenatal care protocols, medical professionals can enhance the overall safety and well-being of both mothers and infants in the Philippines. 

Conclusion 

Remember, early detection is key to preventing GBS-related issues. If you're interested in implementing GBS testing in your healthcare facility or learning more about this crucial screening tool, Getz Healthcare Philippines, the distributor of Molbio Truenat® GBS, is here to assist you. Contact us today to take the next step in safeguarding maternal and infant health. 

Sources: 

• https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/groupb.html 
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11045-group-b-streptococcus--pregnancy 
• https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/group-b-strep-and-pregnancy 
• https://www.uptodate.com/contents/group-b-streptococcus-and-pregnancy-beyond-the-basics/print 
• https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6669315/ 
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875957221000875 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5557540/ 
• chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.molbiodiagnostics.com/uploads/product_download/20220411.111508~Truenat-GBS-packinsert-version-4.pdf 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15486835/ 
• https://www.cdc.gov/group-b-strep/testing/index.html 
• https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns