Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal disease

Abstract

Group B streptococcal (GBS) disease and its early onset continues to pose major economic and perinatal implications regarding maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates and methods of treatment. Universal GBS screening via rectovaginal culture is now recommended between 36 and 37 weeks and 6 days of gestation for all pregnant women. Timely identification of groups of women suitable for intravenous intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis of GBS early onset infection has also proven to be effective, although less so than the universal screening approach.