Group B
Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Rates of maternal colonisation have not changed, but universal antenatal screening at 35–37 weeks along with the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) has resulted in a decrease of early-onset disease.
1Challenges remain, including:
- Risk of change of GBS colonization status following screening at 35–37 weeks of gestation2,3
- Some women with unknown GBS status presenting at Labor & Delivery units4,5
- Risk-based IAP exposes 65–85% of GBS-negative women to antibiotics6
- 69% sensitivity of antenatal culture for GBS detection when compared to intrapartum culture7