Group B Streptococcus colonization (GBS colonization)

Group B Streptococcus colonization refers to the process by which the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) attaches, persists, and sometimes invades mucosal surfaces, predominantly in the vaginal and intestinal tracts of humans. This colonization is mediated by bacterial adhesins (such as Srr1/Srr2, Fbs proteins, Lmb, ScpB, SfbA, BibA, HvgA), biofilm formation, and regulatory systems (such as two-component signal transduction systems like LytSR), which allow the bacterium to evade host defenses, adhere to epithelial cells, and persist in a protected state. Colonization is usually asymptomatic but can lead to severe invasive disease in newborns if transmitted from colonized mothers during birth. Management relies primarily on screening and antibiotic prophylaxis in pregnant women.

Other names

Vaginal colonization by Group B StreptococcusGBS vaginal colonizationStreptococcus agalactiae colonization

Antibiotics act by killing GBS or inhibiting its growth, not by targeting colonization machinery directly; vaccines are in development to prevent GBS acquisition