- Design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Population
- 98 studies, 978 150 pregnant women in Asia-Pacific, 2014–2025
- Primary outcome
- Rectovaginal GBS colonisation prevalence
- Effect
- 18.0% (95% CI 12–23%); beta-lactam resistance 0–2%
A systematic review and meta-analysis in Emerging Infectious Diseases included 98 studies from the Asia-Pacific region published from 2014 to 2025, covering 978 150 pregnant women. Pooled rectovaginal colonisation was 18.0% (95% CI 12–23%). Serotype III, the type most associated with late-onset neonatal disease, was the most commonly reported. Among 30 studies reporting resistance, rates for beta-lactams were 0–2%.
The figure is close to that seen in high-income countries where routine screening or risk-based prophylaxis is standard. Data from Southeast Asia were sparse, and Indian practice on antenatal GBS screening varies widely.
The resistance data are the most actionable part: penicillin or ampicillin remains the right intrapartum agent. Serotype data also matter for maternal GBS vaccines in development.
- About one in six pregnant women in this region carry group B streptococcus.
- Penicillin or ampicillin remains appropriate for intrapartum prophylaxis; beta-lactam resistance was 0–2%.
- For women with penicillin allergy, check local clindamycin susceptibility, which this abstract does not report.
- Data from India and Southeast Asia were limited; local surveillance is still needed.
Why it matters
GBS colonisation in this region is as common as in countries that screen routinely.
The statistics, in plain English
A 95% confidence interval of 12–23% around the 18% estimate reflects real variation between countries and study methods, not just chance.
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