Group B Strep infection is the leading infectious killer of newborns. Potentially, it can cause sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis or death in approximately 1 to 2 in 1000 babies.

Guidelines - United States

The recommendations for the prevention of neonatal Group B Strep disease are undergoing changes. Recommendations in the United States may not match the recommendations in other countries. USA/ Canada/ United Kingdom

United States NEW Guidelines August 16, 2002 SOURCE MMWR August 16, 2002 / 51(RR11);1-22 Prevention of Perinatal Group B Streptococcal Disease Revised Guidelines from CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

NEW !! New Group B Strep Prevention Guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention August 16, 2002 Vaginal and rectal GBS screening cultures at 35-37 weeks’ gestation for ALL pregnant women (unless patient had GBS bacteriuria during the current pregnancy or a previous infant with invasive GBS disease) Intrapartum prophylaxis indicated Previous infant with invasive GBS disease GBS bacteriuria during current pregnancy Positive GBS screening culture during current pregnancy (unless a planned cesarean delivery, in the absence of labor or amniotic membrane rupture, is performed) Unknown GBS status (culture not done, incomplete, or results unknown) and any of the following: Delivery at <37 weeks’ gestation Amniotic membrane rupture 18 hours Intrapartum temperature 100.4°F ( 38.0°C) Intrapartum prophylaxis not indicated Previous pregnancy with a positive GBS screening culture (unless a culture was also positive during the current pregnancy) Planned cesarean delivery performed in the absence of labor or membrane rupture (regardless of maternal GBS culture status) Negative vaginal and rectal GBS screening culture in late gestation during the current pregnancy, regardless of intrapartum risk factors