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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Provider knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding obstetric and postsurgical gynecologic infections due to group
Chris A Van Beneden1, Lauri A Hicks, Laura E Riley
1Respiratory 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
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.
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