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Screening for group B Streptococcus in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mônica Taminato1, Dayana Fram, Maria Regina Torloni

  • 1Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. mo_tami@yahoo.com.br

Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem
|January 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Universal screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women, alongside prophylactic antibiotics, is a safe and effective strategy. This approach significantly reduces the incidence of neonatal sepsis, improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection poses a significant public health challenge, linked to severe perinatal complications including neonatal sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and mortality.
  • GBS is a leading cause of severe early-onset infections in newborns, necessitating effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the optimal screening strategy for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant populations.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of different GBS screening methods in preventing adverse perinatal outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, synthesizing data from multiple databases (EMBASE, LILACS, Medline, Cochrane library) and reference lists.
  • Studies analyzing any form of GBS screening in pregnant women were included, irrespective of the comparator group.

Main Results:

  • All analyzed studies favored universal screening programs for GBS in pregnant women as a method to decrease neonatal sepsis rates.
  • The evidence strongly supports universal screening combined with prophylactic antibiotic administration as a safe and effective intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Universal screening for GBS in pregnant women is recommended for public health implementation.
  • Combining universal GBS screening with prophylactic antibiotics offers a robust strategy to mitigate neonatal sepsis and improve perinatal health outcomes.

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