Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcus disease in the 21st century

Abstract

There have been significant reductions in early-onset neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) disease following implementation of maternal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) policies. Nevertheless, GBS remains a leading cause of neonatal sepsis in Australia and New Zealand resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants. In the United States, the universal screening-based approach for identifying women for IAP results in apparently lower rates of early-onset neonatal GBS infection than risk-based assessment. In addition, IAP has altered the profile of newborn infants who develop early-onset disease. Many affected infants lack the typical intrapartum r..