Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Diagnosis Market Trends by Colonization Screening

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that commonly reside in the lower gastrointestinal and genital tract of approximately 10-30% of all healthy adults. While GBS does not usually cause illness in healthy adults and newborns, it can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth and cause life-threatening infections in newborns. GBS diagnosis tests help identify colonized pregnant women to prevent neonatal GBS disease through intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. The most common methods for GBS diagnosis include antepartum culture-based screening conducted between 35-37 weeks of gestation and intrapartum rapid molecular tests performed during labor. Culture-based screening requires collecting vaginal and rectal swabs which are inoculated onto selective growth media. Rapid molecular tests use polymerase chain reaction techniques to directly detect bacterial DNA within hours, without requiring bacterial growth.

The group B streptococcus (GBS) diagnosis market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.58 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.28 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Diagnosis market are bioMérieux SA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Merck KGaA, and Luminex Corporation.

The growing prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women and rising awareness regarding prevention of neonatal GBS infections is expected to drive the demand for rapid and accurate diagnostic tests during the forecast period. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 4 pregnancies are estimated to be colonized by GBS.

Major Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Diagnosis Market diagnostic companies are expanding their geographical presence and product portfolios through partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. For instance, in 2019, BD acquired privately-held GeneOhm Sciences to enhance its molecular diagnostic testing capabilities for GBS and other pathogens. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a comprehensive range of molecular diagnostic tests for GBS detection under its Affirm VPIII Microbial Identification Test.

Market Key Trends

The shift from conventional culture-based GBS screening to rapid molecular-based assays is a major trend witnessed in the market. Rapid molecular assays such as PCR-based tests provide results within hours as compared to two days for culture tests, enabling timely administration of antibiotics. Companies are focused on developing and commercializing simple, affordable and easy-to-use rapid molecular diagnostic tests to address the increasing demand from hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. Further innovations incorporating automation, multiplexing capabilities, and improved sensitivity and stability are expected to augment the adoption of rapid molecular testing for GBS screening over the forecast period.

Porter's Analysis
Threat of new entrants: Low capital requirements for new diagnostic tests pose a threat of entry. However, established brands and regulations pose barriers.

Bargaining power of buyers: Large healthcare providers and public healthcare organizations have significant influence over prices due to consolidated purchasing.

Bargaining power of suppliers: Reputation and innovation of diagnostic kit manufacturers provide differentiation and pricing power. Short development cycles keep suppliers' bargaining power in check.

Threat of new substitutes: New technologies for bacteria identification and diagnosis pose substitution threats. However, regulations ensure compatibility with existing practices.

Competitive rivalry: Global market dominated by few large players intensifying price competition. Differentiation obtained from novel detection methods, applications, and integrated software solutions.

Geographically, North America accounts for the largest value share primarily due to consolidating facilities and healthcare spending. Asia Pacific reflects the fastest growth owing to improving access to diagnostic services, rising healthcare expenditures, and increasing population susceptible to Streptococcal infections.

While developed markets remain concentrated regions, value growth has begun shifting towards developing Asian countries with Latin America and Middle East & Africa also emerging as significant regional contributors. Stringent quality oversight in Western markets necessitates compliance which smaller players may find challenging at initial stages.

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.

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