BackgroundMaternal rectovaginal colonization with group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common pathway for GBS disease in mother, fetus, and newborn. This article, the second in a series estimating the burden of GBS, aims to determine the prevalence and serotype distribution of GBS colonizing pregnant women worldwide.MethodsWe conducted systematic literature reviews (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature [LILACS], World Health Organization Library Information System [WHOLIS], and Scopus), organized Chinese language searches, and sought unpublished data from investigator groups. We applied broad inclusion criteria to maximize data inputs, particularly from low- and middle-income contexts, and then applied new meta-analyses to adjust for studies with less-sensitive sampling and laboratory techniques. We undertook meta-analyses to derive pooled estimates of maternal GBS colonization prevalence at national and regional levels.ResultsThe dataset regarding colonization included 390 articles, 85 countries, and a total of 299924 pregnant women. Our adjusted estimate for maternal GBS colonization worldwide was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17%–19%), with regional variation (11%–35%), and lower prevalence in Southern Asia (12.5% [95% CI, 10%–15%]) and Eastern Asia (11% [95% CI, 10%–12%]). Bacterial serotypes I–V account for 98% of identified colonizing GBS isolates worldwide. Serotype III, associated with invasive disease, accounts for 25% (95% CI, 23%–28%), but is less frequent in some South American and Asian countries. Serotypes VI–IX are more common in Asia.ConclusionsGBS colonizes pregnant women worldwide, but prevalence and serotype distribution vary, even after adjusting for laboratory methods. Lower GBS maternal colonization prevalence, with less serotype III, may help to explain lower GBS disease incidence in regions such as Asia. High prevalence worldwide, and more serotype data, are relevant to prevention efforts.

Group B Streptococcus is an important cause of disease in pregnant women, stillbirth, and infants. These first estimates show the magnitude and the potential impact of maternal vaccination.

Complications of preterm birth are the leading cause of deaths in children aged <5 years. Group B Streptococcus may be a preventable and important contributor to this burden.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is associated with invasive disease in utero and stillbirth. We estimated that 1% of all stillbirths in developed countries and 4% in Africa were associated with GBS.

From the limited data available, the incidence of maternal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in developed countries appears lower than, but comparable to, the incidence of early-onset neonatal GBS disease. There are no published data from low- and middle-income contexts.