Within-Host Diversity and Vertical Transmission of Group B Streptococcus Among Mother-infant Dyads in The Gambia

Abstract

IntroductionUnderstanding mother-to-infant transmission of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is vital to the prevention and control of GBS disease. We investigated the transmission and phylogenetic relationships of mothers colonised by GBS and their infants in a peri-urban setting in The Gambia. MethodsWe collected nasopharyngeal swabs from 35 mother-infant dyads at weekly intervals from birth until six weeks post-partum. GBS was isolated by conventional microbiology techniques. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on GBS isolates from one motherinfant dyad (dyad 17). ResultsWe recovered 85 GBS isolates from the 245 nasopharyngeal swabs. GBS was isolated from 16.33% and 18.37% of sampled mothers and infants, respectively. In 87% of cultured swabs, the culture status of an infant agreed with that of the mother (Kappa p-value <0.001). In dyad 17, phylogenetic analysis revealed within-host strain diversity in the mother and clone to her infant. ConclusionGBS colonisation in mothers presents a significant risk of colonisation in their infants. We confirm vertical transmission from mother to child in dyad 17, accompanied by within-host diversity.