Provider knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding obstetric and postsurgical gynecologic infections due to group A Streptococcus and other infectious agents.
BACKGROUND
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of obstetricians and gynecologists regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prevention of healthcare-associated group A streptococcal (GAS) infections as well as general management of pregnancy-related and postpartum infections are unknown.


METHODS
Questionnaires were sent to 1300 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.


RESULTS
Overall, 53% of providers responded. Postpartum and postsurgical infections occurred in 3% and 7% of patients, respectively. Only 14% of clinicians routinely obtain diagnostic specimens for postpartum infections; providers collecting specimens determined the microbial etiology in 28%. Microbiologic diagnoses were confirmed in 20% of postsurgical cases. Approximately 13% and 15% of postpartum and postsurgical infections for which diagnoses were confirmed were attributed to GAS, respectively. Over 70% of clinicians were unaware of CDC recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
Postpartum and postsurgical infections are common. Providing empiric treatment without attaining diagnostic cultures represents a missed opportunity for potential prevention of diseases such as severe GAS infections.
Van Beneden
Chris A
CA
Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. cvanbeneden@cdc.gov
Hicks
Lauri A
LA
Riley
Laura E
LE
Schulkin
Jay
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics; D010820:Physicians; D011247:Pregnancy; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D014481:United States