Which statement about GBS colonization in pregnant women is correct?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can be found in the intestines and genital tract of healthy individuals, particularly in women. The correct statement is that approximately 25% of healthy adult women can be colonized by GBS. This means that while many women carry the bacteria, they do not exhibit any symptoms or illness associated with it.

During pregnancy, a woman's colonization status can have implications for her newborn. If GBS is present in the vaginal flora, there is a risk of transmitting it to the infant during delivery, potentially leading to serious infections in the newborn. However, not all infants born to GBS-colonized mothers will experience illness, and many deliveries occur without any issues.

The other statements provide misconceptions about GBS. It is not only found in infected individuals, as many healthy individuals can carry the bacteria. While GBS can cause severe illness in some infants, it does not affect all infants born to colonized mothers. Lastly, classifying GBS as rare among pregnant women is misleading, given that a significant portion of pregnant women are indeed colonized. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing the risk and implementing appropriate care during pregnancy and delivery.