Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:19
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Group B Streptococcus vaccination in pregnancy: moving toward a global maternal immunization program
Flor M Munoz1, Patricia Ferrieri
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM-280, Houston, TX 77030, United States. florm@bcm.edu
Vaccine
|November 27, 2012
Summary
A new group B streptococcus vaccine for pregnant women could enhance maternal immunization programs. This would protect mothers and infants from serious diseases, reducing global maternal and neonatal mortality.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) poses significant risks to pregnant women and newborns.
- Existing vaccines during pregnancy protect against tetanus, influenza, pertussis, and meningococcal infections.
- A GBS vaccine would complement current maternal immunization strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential impact of a group B streptococcus vaccine for pregnant women.
- To assess the role of such a vaccine in a comprehensive maternal immunization program.
- To explore benefits for global public health, specifically reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing maternal vaccines and GBS epidemiology.
- Analysis of public health impact models for vaccination programs.
- Assessment of implementation strategies within routine prenatal care.
Main Results:
- A GBS vaccine would expand protection against serious infections during pregnancy.
- Integration into prenatal care could establish a robust maternal immunization program.
- Significant reductions in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality are anticipated globally.
Conclusions:
- A group B streptococcus vaccine is a high-priority addition to maternal immunization.
- Such a vaccine has the potential to substantially improve global maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Maternal immunization programs are critical for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in mothers and newborns.
Keywords:
AAFPAAPACIPACOGAdvisory Committee on Immunization PracticesAmerican Academy of Family PracticeAmerican Academy of PediatricsAmerican College of Obstetrics and GynecologyCDCCenters for Disease Control and PreventionEPIExtended Program on ImmunizationGACVSGAVIGBSGlobal Advisory Committee on Vaccine SafetyGlobal Alliance for Vaccines and ImmunisationGlobal programGroup B streptococcusMNTMaternal immunizationMaternal-Neonatal TetanusNeonatesPregnancyVaccineWHOWorld Health Organization
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