PROPHYLAXIS OF NEONATAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION

Key words: Group B Streptococcus, Antibiotic prophylaxis, Screening

Group B Streptococcus is the leading cause of vertically transmitted neonatal bacterial infections. The consequence of early and late-onset infections can be fatal diseases or severe neurological sequelae, when central nervous system is involved. Many efforts have been made on prevention, but the infection is not totally controlled. Bacteriological screening of all mothers between the 35th and the 37th week of gestation, followed by maternal intrapartum chemoprophylaxis (by penicillin or ampicillin) of colonised women represents today the most effective strategy to prevent the disease.