About Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Canada
GBS is the leading cause of infection in infants worldwide with a fatality rate between 4-6%[i]. The SOGC guideline[ii] recommends universal antepartum screening for women at 35-37 weeks of gestation, along with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. While this has resulted in a decrease in early onset disease (EOD) rate, there is still an ongoing need for more sensitive GBS detection. In fact, studies have shown that up to 61.4% of term infants with GBS disease are born to women who have had negative cultures for Group B Streptococcus[iii].
About GenePOC GBS LB test
GenePOC GBS LB is indicated for identification of Group B Streptococcus from LIM broth enrichments of vaginal/rectal specimen swabs obtained from pregnant women.
"We are passionate at GenePOC about eliminating the highly debilitating effects of EOD which include meningitis, pneumonia and in some cases death. In launching the GBS LB assay, we are directly addressing that unmet clinical need and meeting the market expectations," said Patrice Allibert, PhD, CEO of GenePOC.
"A dream comes true of bringing a smart and portable device for molecular diagnostics that can replace routine culture methods, giving better performance and much more rapid turnaround times," commented Prof Dr Michel G. Bergeron, from Université Laval and Founder of GenePOC.
References
i. Edmond et al., The Lancet, 2012; 379; p.547-55
ii. Money et al., J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2013;35(10):e1-e10
iii. Van Dyke, et al., NEJM, June 18, 2009; 360(25):2626-36