Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal disease: A combined intrapartum and neonatal protocol

George D Wendel1, Kenneth J Leveno, Pablo J Sánchez

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 75390-9032, USA. george.wendel@utsouthwestern.edu.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 23, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A new clinical protocol significantly reduced early-onset group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in newborns. This combined maternal and infant antimicrobial prophylaxis approach proved safe and effective for both preterm and term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of early-onset neonatal infections.
  • Effective prevention strategies are crucial to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Current protocols aim to identify and treat GBS risk factors during pregnancy and labor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical protocol designed to decrease the incidence of early-onset GBS infections in neonates.
  • To assess the impact of combined intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis on GBS infection rates.
  • To determine the safety and efficacy of the protocol for both preterm and term infants.

Main Methods:

  • A before-after study design was employed to assess the protocol's impact.
  • Intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis was selectively administered to mothers with GBS risk factors.
  • Penicillin G was administered to all neonates following the protocol's implementation.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of early-onset GBS infection decreased significantly from 2.2 per 1000 live births in 1994 to 0.4 per 1000 in 1995 (P <.001).
  • This reduction was observed in both preterm and term infants, with no preterm cases post-protocol (P =.0004).
  • The efficacy was sustained through 1999 (0.5 per 1000) without an increase in infections from other bacterial pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Combined maternal and infant antimicrobial prophylaxis is a highly effective strategy for reducing early-onset GBS infection rates.
  • The protocol demonstrated significant safety and efficacy in both preterm and term neonates.
  • This approach offers a valuable public health intervention for preventing neonatal GBS disease.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets01:17

Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets

Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...