Serotype Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus among Pregnant Women in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses from 2007-2022.
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Background: ) is a significant cause of invasive disease in newborns, often stemming from recto-vaginal colonization in pregnant women. The GBS capsular polysaccharide is a major virulence factor, and ten distinct serotypes (Ia, Ib, II-IX) have now been identified. Understanding the prevalence of these serotypes in maternal colonization is crucial for vaccine development. This study aims to determine the serotype prevalence of GBS among Iranian pregnant women. Materials and Methods: )]. Studies using nonstandard methods (e.g., cervical, perianal, perirectal or perineal specimens), or focusing on non-maternal GBS colonization were excluded. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (Biostat V2.2) software to estimate serotype prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of 330 articles identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses showed that 93.2% (95% CI: 90-95.5) of GBS isolates had identifiable serotypes. The predominant serotype was serotype III [39.6% (95% CI: 31.6-48.2)], followed by serotypes II [16.8% (95% CI: 13.8-20.4)], V [14.1% (95% CI: 11.2-17.6)], VI [12.4 (95% CI: 8.2-18.5)], Ia [11.7% (95 CI: 7.8-17.2)] and Ib [11.2 (95% CI: 6.9-17.6)]. Conclusion: Serotype III is the most common GBS serotype among pregnant women in Iran, followed by serotypes II, V, VI, Ia, and Ib. These findings suggest that a pentavalent vaccine targeting these serotypes could be beneficial for preventing GBS-related complications in Iranian pregnant women. However, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and implementation of such a vaccine.
Source: PubMed
Institution: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7118664499
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: