Group B Streptococcus Colonization Among Pregnant Women in Jordan: Prevalence, Outcomes and a Comparison Between Healthcare and Non- Healthcare Providers

Introduction: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and maternal infections worldwide While general data on GBS prevalence in the Middle East exist, specific studies investigating GBS colonization and its outcomes among healthcare workers remain limited. This study aimed to determine the outcome of rectovaginal GBS colonization among pregnant women in northern Jordan and to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between medical and non-medical staff. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital, including 257 GBS-positive pregnant women who delivered during the study period. Participants were categorized as medical staff (n=37) or non-medical staff (n=220). Maternal demographic, obstetric, and neonatal data were collected from hospital records. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and t-tests, with multivariable logistic regression adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, parity, and body mass index. Results: Maternal age was significantly higher among medical staff (p=0.017), while other baseline variables showed no significant differences. There were no significant differences between medical and non-medical groups in maternal morbidity, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, or neonatal mortality (all p≥ 0.05). Adjusted models confirmed that occupation was not significantly associated with NICU admission (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 0.46– 4.09, p=0.575) or maternal morbidity (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.35– 2.00, p=0.685). Conclusion: Occupational exposure among healthcare workers did not significantly influence GBS-related maternal or neonatal outcomes, and GBS colonization among pregnant women in northern Jordan aligns with global prevalence estimates. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess antimicrobial resistance trends in the region. Keywords: group B streptococcus, pregnant, women, cohort study