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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a β-hemolytic Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the lower genital tract of approximately 18% of women globally as an asymptomatic member of the gastrointestinal and/or vaginal flora. If established in other host niches, however, GBS is highly pathogenic. During pregnancy, ascending GBS infection from the vagina to the intrauterine space is associated with preterm birth, stillbirth, and fetal injury. In addition, vertical transmission of GBS during or after birth results in life-threatening neonatal infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Although the mechanisms by which GBS traffics from the lower genital tract to vulnerable host niches are not well understood, recent advances have revealed that many of the same bacterial factors that promote asymptomatic vaginal carriage also facilitate dissemination and virulence. Further, highly pathogenic GBS strains have acquired unique factors that enhance survival in invasive niches. Several host factors also exist that either subdue GBS upon vaginal colonization or alternatively permit invasive infection. This review summarizes the GBS and host factors involved in GBS's state as both an asymptomatic colonizer and invasive pathogen. Gaining a better understanding of these mechanisms is key to overcoming the challenges associated with vaccine development and identification of novel strategies to mitigate GBS virulence.

Background: Hypercholesterolemia causes atherosclerosis in medium to large sized arteries. Cholesterol is less known for affecting the microvasculature and has not been previously reported to induce microvascular pathology in the central nervous system (CNS).

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus, recently linked to microcephaly and central nervous system anomalies following infection in pregnancy. Striking findings of disproportionate growth with a smaller than expected head relative to body length have been observed more commonly among fetuses with exposure to ZIKV in utero compared to pregnancies without ZIKV infection regardless of other signs of congenital infection including microcephaly. This study's objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of femursparing profile of intrauterine growth restriction for the identification of ZIKV-associated congenital injuries on postnatal testing. A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with possible or confirmed ZIKV infection between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 were included. Subjects were excluded if no prenatal ultrasound was available. A femursparing profile of growth restriction determined using INTERGROWTH-21 st sonographic standard for head circumference to femur length (HC: FL). Congenital injuries were determined postnatally by imaging, comprehensive eye exam and standard newborn hearing screen. A total of 111 pregnant women diagnosed with ZIKV infection underwent fetal ultrasound and 95 neonates had complete postnatal evaluation. Prenatal microcephaly was detected in 5% of fetuses (6/111). Postnatal testing detected ZIKV-associated congenital injuries in 25% of neonates (24/95). A HC: FL Z-score �-1.3 had a 52% specificity (95% CI 41-63%), 82% negative predictive value (NPV, 95% CI 73-88%) for the detection of ZIKVassociated congenital injuries in the neonatal period. A more stringent threshold with a Zscore �-2 was associated with a 90% specificity (95% CI 81-95%), 81% NPV (95% CI 77-PLOS ONE

Background Vaginal progesterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17α‐OHP) are both used to prevent preterm delivery in women who have experienced spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) previously. Randomized trial data of the comparative effectiveness of these interventions have been mixed. Objectives To compare the efficacy of intramuscular 17α‐OHP and vaginal progesterone in the prevention of recurrent SPTD. Search strategy Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, African Journals Online, Embase, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, PubMed, and registers of ongoing trials were searched using keywords related to 17α‐OHP, vaginal progesterone, and preterm delivery. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials published between January 1, 1966, and November 30, 2016, comparing 17α‐OHP and vaginal progesterone for the prevention of recurrent SPTD during singleton pregnancies were included. Data collection and analysis Study data were extracted and meta‐analyses were performed when outcomes were comparable. Main results The meta‐analyses included data from three randomized trials. Lower rates of SPTD before 34 weeks (relative risk 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.95) and before 32 weeks (relative risk 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.94) of pregnancy were observed among patients treated with vaginal progesterone. Conclusions Vaginal progesterone and 17α‐OHP were comparable for the prevention of recurrent SPTD in singleton pregnancies; vaginal progesterone could be superior.

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Background: Vaginal progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) are both used to prevent preterm delivery in women who have experienced spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) previously. Randomized trial data of the comparative effectiveness of these interventions have been mixed. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of intramuscular 17α-OHP and vaginal progesterone in the prevention of recurrent SPTD.