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[Group B streptococcus, primary cause of life-threatening infections in infants. Epidemiology and prevention
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of severe neonatal infections. Prevention through intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is recommended, yet Belgium lacks specific guidelines for early-onset GBS infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Bacteriology
- Public Health
Context:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) emerged as the predominant cause of neonatal infections in the 1970s.
- Significant increases in GBS neonatal sepsis and meningitis were observed globally.
- GBS infections are associated with high mortality and morbidity in newborns.
Purpose:
- To highlight the continued prevalence and impact of GBS neonatal infections.
- To emphasize the effectiveness of intrapartum chemoprophylaxis in preventing GBS infections.
- To address the absence of specific GBS prevention guidelines in Belgium.
Summary:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been the leading cause of severe neonatal infections since the 1970s.
- Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is a proven preventive measure for at-risk mothers.
- Despite international guidelines from AAP, ACOG, and CDC, Belgium has no current recommendations for preventing early-onset GBS infections.
Impact:
- Highlights a critical gap in neonatal infection prevention strategies in Belgium.
- Underscores the need for implementing evidence-based guidelines for GBS prevention.
- Aims to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with GBS infections.
Abstract:
As soon as the early 70's, group B streptococci (GBS) became clearly predominant in neonatal infections. There was a dramatic increase in the incidence of GBS neonatal sepsis and meningitis throughout developed countries and GBS emerged as the leading cause of severe neonatal infections. Most of these infections, associated with high mortality and morbidity, could be prevented by intrapartum chemoprophylaxis given to risk mothers. AAP, ACOG and the CDC issued guidelines for their prevention. Today, in Belgium, there are still no recommendations for the prevention of GBS early-onset infections.