Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
Published on: October 10, 2025
Recommendations for term and late preterm infants at risk for perinatal bacterial infection
Martin Stocker1, Christoph Berger, Jane McDougall
1Children's Hospital Lucerne, SWITZERLAND; martin.stocker@luks.ch.
Insights
Updated guidelines for preventing group B streptococcal disease in neonates have reduced perinatal infections. Proper management of at-risk infants, including observation or prompt antibiotic treatment, minimizes complications and unnecessary antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Disease Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- The incidence of perinatal group B streptococcal infections has decreased since 1996.
- Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and appropriate neonatal management are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.
- Guidelines aim to decrease unnecessary antibiotic exposure in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-based guidelines for Swiss healthcare workers.
- To outline the assessment and management of term and late preterm infants at risk for perinatal bacterial infection.
- To refine strategies for managing early-onset sepsis in at-risk neonates.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence and best practices for neonatal sepsis management.
- Development of guidelines for assessing infants based on clinical presentation and risk factors.
- Recommendations for observation of asymptomatic infants and prompt antibiotic treatment for symptomatic neonates.
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic infants with risk factors require close inpatient observation for 48 hours.
- Symptomatic neonates necessitate immediate intravenous antibiotic treatment.
- Reevaluation of antibiotic therapy after 48 hours is mandatory due to nonspecific infection signs.
Conclusions:
- Current guidelines have successfully reduced perinatal group B streptococcal disease.
- A risk-based approach to neonatal sepsis management is effective.
- Careful monitoring and judicious antibiotic use are essential for optimal neonatal outcomes.
Abstract:
Since publication of the initial guidelines for the prevention of group B streptococcal disease in 1996, the incidence of perinatal infection has decreased significantly. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis together with appropriate management of neonates at increased risk for early-onset sepsis not only reduces morbidity and mortality, but also decreases the burden of unnecessary or prolonged antibiotic therapy. This article provides healthcare workers in Switzerland with evidence-based and best-practice derived guidelines for the assessment and management of term and late preterm infants (>34 weeks) at increased risk for perinatal bacterial infection. Management of neonates at increased risk for early-onset sepsis depends on clinical presentation and risk factors. Asymptomatic infants with risk factors for early-onset sepsis should be observed closely in an inpatient setting for the first 48 hours of life. Symptomatic neonates must be treated promptly with intravenous antibiotics. As clinical and laboratory signs of neonatal infection are nonspecific, it is mandatory to reevaluate the need for continued antibiotic therapy after 48 hours.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...