ABSTRACT
The objectives of the present study were to determine the magnitude and associated risks factors of genital tract colonization by Group B Streptococci [GBS] during the last trimester of pregnancy. A Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at primary care clinic from 15th Jan to 14th June2008 at Union Council 1 and 2, Orangi Town Karachi. Pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy [approximately 27-40 gestational weeks] attending antenatal clinic were included in the study. A total of 1099 women underwent an evaluation that included standardized history, pelvic examination and rectovaginal culture. The age of the patient in the study was 27.81 +/- 6.36 years; income per month 1089 +/- 1031Rupees, Hemoglobin percentage 8.67 +/- 1.311mg%.The frequency of booked status was seen only in 475[43.2%] mothers. The magnitude of GBS positive report was seen in 323[29.4%] women. The risk factors for GBS positive mothers in current pregnancy included history of previous preterm pregnancy in 103[9.4%], GBS in previous pregnancy was found in only 50[4.5%] and previous history of neonatal sepsis in 35[3.2%].The magnitude of GBS positive report was seen in 323[29.4%] women. The magnitude of GBS positive report was 323[29.4%].The determinants of vaginal colonization by GBS were high parity, low Body Mass Index [BMI], inadequate antenatal care and high rates of adverse pregnancy outcome