Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 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

Population-based risk factors for neonatal group B streptococcal disease: results of a cohort study in metropolitan

A Schuchat1, M Oxtoby, S Cochi

  • 1Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch Center for Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30333.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Black infants face significantly higher risks for neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease, particularly late-onset forms. Prevention strategies targeting at-risk populations are crucial for reducing GBS infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease poses a significant threat to newborns.
  • Understanding risk factors is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze risk factors associated with early- and late-onset neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease.
  • To estimate the attributable risk of GBS disease based on identified factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study was conducted in Atlanta analyzing invasive GBS disease cases in infants born during 1982-1983.
  • Data from 71 early-onset and 37 late-onset GBS cases were compared against 64,858 live births.
  • Risk factors including maternal demographics, birth weight, and pregnancy history were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Infants with early-onset GBS disease were more likely to be black, have low birth weight (<2500 g), and be born to teenage mothers.
  • A history of miscarriage was linked to an increased risk of early-onset GBS disease.
  • Black infants had a 35-fold higher risk of late-onset GBS disease compared to nonblack infants; race accounted for 30% of early-onset and 92% of late-onset disease.

Conclusions:

  • Race is a significant independent risk factor for both early- and late-onset neonatal GBS disease.
  • The high rate of prenatal care (96%) among case mothers indicates that prevention strategies can effectively reach the at-risk population.
  • Prenatal screening and maternal immunization are potential strategies to mitigate GBS disease burden.

More Related Videos

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
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,...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...