The Role of Mikvah Immersion in Group B Streptococcus Carrier Rate Amongst Orthodox Jewish Women
Jeanette Toney M.D.; Meghan Rattigan D.O.; Yen-Hong Kuo, PhD
Jersey Shore University Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 5, 2018
Conclusions
Significant increased incidence of GBS carriership amongst Orthodox Jewish women
We were unable to determine other significant risk factors, although our data suggests that age and parity may play a role
Our findings and prior research points to Mikvah ritual immersion as a possible risk factor for GBS carriership
We would need to culture Mikvah baths in order to prove this hypothesis
