Distribution of Group B Streptococcus isolated from humans in Southeast Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the burden of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and analyze the distribution of serotypes in relation to their source. The review highlights data gaps in transmission dynamics and regional food consumption practices, which are essential for designing effective public health strategies and advancing vaccine development.

Methods: Searches were conducted in Web of Science, MEDLINE, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus databases to find studies related to GBS during 1990-2025. Eligible studies were those that described prevalence, serotype distribution or sequence type (ST) of GBS in Southeast Asian countries. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data.

Results: A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria from eight countries. The pooled estimate of maternal GBS colonization was 15.1%, with serotypes III, V, II, VI, and I a accounting for the majority of cases (91.24%) in the Southeast Asia studies. Data on ST was limited; however, ST1 was found to be predominant in Malaysia and Thailand, while ST283 was notably linked to the consumption of raw fish.

Conclusions: The pooled estimate of the maternal colonization with GBS was 15.1% which is equivalent to many other primary and review reports worldwide. Distribution of serotype and ST is needed to be studied in Southeast Asian countries to devise effective preventive measures. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and tailored prevention strategies to combat GBS infections in Southeast Asia.

Keywords

Group B Streptococcus / Streptococcus agalactiae / Maternal colonization / Neonatal disease / Serotypes / Sequence type / Southeast Asia

Conflict of interest statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Funding

The authors received no extramural funding for this study.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets that are used and analyzed in this study can be made available upon reasonable request.

Authors’ contributions

AM and MNMD conceived and designed the methodology and data analysis, prepared figures and tables, authored and reviewed drafts of the paper, and approved the final draft. NS, NDD and MMJA analyzed the data, authored and reviewed drafts of the paper, and approved the final draft. SAN and MNAA reviewed drafts of the paper, and approved the final draft.

Publisher’s note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Edited by Zhang Q, Lei Y, Pan Y

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