Bacterial Infections in Pregnant Women and Newborns in Mozambique and Morocco

In sharp contrast to the situation in developed countries, infectious diseases in resource-poor settings are still a major cause of maternal, fetal, and newborn morbidity. In developed countries, screening for certain bacteria during the later stages of pregnancy (group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli) has improved the early detection and treatment of infection and decreased mother to child transmission, thereby reducing both child morbidity and mortality.

The aim of this project is to determine the burden and epidemiology of bacterial infections in Rabat (Morocco) and Manhiça (Mozambique), where routine screening is not conducted. By establishing such surveillance protocols, we will also be able to determine whether the bacteria isolated are sensitive to commonly used antibiotics.

Furthermore, by understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with the vertical transmission of bacterial infections, we hope be able to act upon them, establishing early detection and treatment programmes, preventing their vertical transmission, and thereby increasing the newborn's chances of surviving.