The health threats posed by GBS infections to mothers and infants are multifaceted. GBS has a strong ability to adhere to and penetrate the chorion, attaching to maternal tissues within two hours of infection, followed by invasion into the chorion, which can lead to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Studies have shown that among 2745 parturients, the incidence of PROM in those with GBS in their urine was 35%. Additionally, 21% of GBS-positive pregnant women develop chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis, indicating that GBS is a critical risk factor for these inflammations. Moreover, the likelihood of preterm birth and very low birth weight infants increases by 20%-60% in GBS-positive pregnant women, and GBS is a primary pathogen causing puerperal infections, with an incidence rate of 1% to 7.2%, being one of the four leading causes of maternal mortality. 

For newborns, GBS infections can lead to various severe diseases. After neonatal GBS infection, conditions such as sepsis and meningitis may occur, characterized by nonspecific symptoms like lethargy, irritability, decreased appetite, and respiratory distress, sometimes accompanied by fever within 24 hours of birth. Neonatal pneumonia presents with typical signs of rapid breathing, grunting, and hypoxemia, often with pleural effusion visible on radiography, and laboratory tests may show leukopenia. Late-onset disease predominantly manifests as meningitis, and survivors may be left with serious neurological sequelae, further exacerbating the long-term impact of GBS infections.

The principle behind the chromogenic substrate technology is based on the β-galactosidase activity inherent in GBS. This enzyme can cleave specific chemical bonds in the substrate, releasing dye molecules that result in a noticeable color change. This color change can be observed directly with the naked eye or measured quantitatively through spectrophotometric analysis, providing a convenient and reliable detection method for research and clinical settings.

Clinically, GBS infections have a direct relationship with maternal and infant health. Research indicates that if a pregnant woman is GBS positive, the vertical transmission rate can reach up to 50%, potentially transmitting the infection to the newborn during delivery, leading to severe infectious diseases. Therefore, timely and accurate screening for GBS is crucial for preventing neonatal infections.

The GBS chromogenic substrate provided by Geneseqtools Biotech is specifically designed for the rapid and efficient detection of GBS. Its main roles include: