Prevention of group B streptococci transmission during delivery by vaginal application of chlorhexidine gel.
In a prospective study in 227 parturients, carriership of group B streptococci was established to be 25%. In carriers, transmission of streptococci to the newborn occurred in 50%. 10 ml of a chlorhexidine gel containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose was introduced into the vagina during labor in 17 parturients, who were known to be carriers of group B streptococci from the first trimester of pregnancy. In none of the newborns from these mothers colonization by group B streptococci did occur. Vaginal application of chlorhexidine may prevent transmission of group B streptococci, and serve as an alternative to intrapartum prophylaxis using antibiotics. A large multicenter randomized controlled study should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.
Kollée
L A
LA
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Speyer
I
I
van Kuijck
M A
MA
Koopman
R
R
Dony
J M
JM
Bakker
J H
JH
Wintermans
R G
RG
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D002353:Carrier State / Q000635:transmission; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000635:transmission*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae
D005782:Gels; D002710:Chlorhexidine