Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Group B Streptococcus Rectovaginal Colonization Rates and Serotype Distribution among Pregnant Women, Asia-Pacific Region, 2014–2025

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of group B Streptococcus (GBS) rectovaginal colonization prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR) rates among pregnant women in the Asia-Pacific region. We included articles published in the MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases during January 2014–October 2025. Overall, 1,623 studies were identified; 98 of those were included in the meta-analysis. Of 978,150 pregnant women, 172,973 were colonized with GBS; pooled estimated prevalence was 18.0% (95% CI 12%–23%). Studies from Southeast Asia were limited. GBS serotype distributions were reported in 24 studies; serotype III was the most common (range 5.0%–100.0%). Thirty studies included AMR rates; low (0%–2.0%) AMR rates were found for β-lactams. GBS colonization is common among pregnant women in the Asia-Pacific region. Continued surveillance of GBS prevalence will be needed, particularly in Pacific and Southeast Asian countries, to guide effective GBS prevention and treatment programs.