GroupB Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae, are bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract of humans. In pregnant women the presence of this microorganism varies between 3% and 41% and its clinical importance is associated with the vertical contamination of the neonates of colonized parturients, in addition to the possible clinical complications. The present study aims to encompass microbiological and preventive aspects of perinatal streptococcal disease and contribute to the applicability of this knowledge in the Brazilian health system. As a method, the literature review was adopted based on articles published between 1996 and 2016. The colonization of the pregnant woman by GBS is closely associated with preterm delivery and the possibility of serious infections in the newborn. In research conducted in the Northeast, South and Southeast regions of Brazil, the rate of isolation of GBS in pregnant women was 11.2% to 21.6%. Diagnosis is often difficult and the strategies available to decrease the frequency of this infection are chemoprophylaxis, immunization not yet available in Brazil, delivery channel antisepsis, and collection and culture of anal and vaginal secretions collected between the 35th and 37th weeks Gestation. The verification of cases and analysis of maternal infection rates may contribute to the adoption of more effective preventive measures aimed at reducing infection in newborns, sequelae or even death.