Perinatal infection with Group B streptococci.
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of severe bacterial infection in newborns. Early neonatal GBS infection can be prevented by identifying high-risk pregnancies and administering intrapartum antibiotics. In the USA, a screening strategy has been introduced resulting in a reduction in early-onset GBS infection, but no decrease in late-onset neonatal GBS disease has been noted. In many European countries, a risk-based strategy is recommended. Vaccination may, in the future, be an alternative in preventing GBS infection in newborns.
Pettersson
Karin
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. karin.pettersson@karolinska.se
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008403:Mass Screening; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000151:congenital* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae