title: Group B streptococcus infection: risk and prevention.
abstract: Group B Streptococcus (group B Strep or GBS) is the UK's commonest cause of severe early-onset (up to six days) infection in babies. GBS is a normal body commensal, colonising the gut and vagina. GBS may pass to babies around childbirth; although most are unaffected, some develop severe infection. GBS is also a recognised cause of stillbirth and puerperal sepsis. Most GBS infection in babies is of early onset and most of these infections are highly preventable with the targeted use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. This article reviews current UK guidelines and prevention strategies.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Plumb
authors.forename: Ginny
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Clayton
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents