Polymerase chain reaction for Group B Streptococci (GBS) at labor highly correlates with vaginal GBS load.

Objective: To explore factors associated with a high vaginal GBS load during labor considering (1) the recto-vaginal GBS load at 35-37 weeks' gestation determined by culture and (2) the vaginal GBS colonization determined by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay during labor.

Methods: From an unselected cohort of 902 pregnant women, we obtained (1) recto-vaginal swabs for culture of GBS at 35-37 weeks' gestation (GBS), (2) vaginal swabs for GBS PCR detection at labor (PCR), and (3) vaginal swabs for culture of GBS at labor (GBS). The GBS load was classified semi quantitatively according to a culture protocol without prior broth enrichment of the swab samples: none (0), few (+), some (++), or many (+++) GBS colonies.

Urine dipstick for predicting intrapartum recto-vaginal colonisation by group B streptococci.

Introduction: In pregnant women, bacteriuria with group B streptococci (GBS) may be associated with a high degree of recto-vaginal GBS colonisation and therefore an increased risk of early-onset GBS disease. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of routine use of dipstick urine analysis during pregnancy for prediction of recto-vaginal GBS colonisation at the time of labour.

Methods: Among 902 unselected Danish pregnant women, we obtained results from 1) dipstick urine analysis, 2) urine culture carried out during pregnancy, if indicated, and 3) recto-vaginal culture at labour.

Using virtual-reality simulation to ensure basic competence in hysteroscopy.

Background: Hysteroscopy is a technically challenging procedure. Specialty curricula of obstetrics and gynaecology appraise hysteroscopy for trainees but there is no present evidence-based training program that certifies the fundamental technical skills before performance on patients. The objectives of this study were to develop and gather validity evidence for a simulation-based test that can ensure basic competence in hysteroscopy.

Number of colony forming units in urine at 35-37 weeks' gestation as predictor of the vaginal load of Group B Streptococci at birth.

Objective: To evaluate GBS colony numbers in the urine at 35-37 weeks' gestation to predict the load of GBS-colonization of the vagina at birth.

Study Design: In this prospective observational study, we included 902 unselected pregnant women. Exposure was GBS colony forming units (CFU) per mL urine at 35-37 weeks' gestation.

Intrapartum PCR assay versus antepartum culture for assessment of vaginal carriage of group B streptococci in a Danish cohort at birth.

The aim of this study was to compare the performances of two strategies for predicting intrapartum vaginal carriage of group B streptococci (GBS). One strategy was based on an antepartum culture and the other on an intrapartum polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We conducted a prospective observational study enrolling 902 pregnant women offered GBS screening before delivery by two strategies.