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The prevention of early-onset neonatal group B streptococcus infection: New Zealand Consensus Guidelines 2014

Brian Darlow1, Norma Campbell, Nicloa Austin

  • 1CureKids Chair of Paediatric Research at the University of Otago, Christchurch. brian.darlow@otago.ac.nz.

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|February 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease prevention in newborns is crucial. A risk-based strategy is recommended for New Zealand, with universal antenatal screening not advised.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Disease Prevention
  • Public Health Guidelines

Background:

  • Group B streptococcal (GBS) disease is a primary cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis in New Zealand.
  • Vertical transmission from mother to infant is the primary route of GBS infection.
  • Intrapartum antibiotics can largely prevent GBS disease, with current guidelines based on clinical risk factors.

Framework:

  • A multidisciplinary expert group convened to review GBS prevention strategies.
  • The review considered a 10-year incidence survey of early-onset GBS neonatal sepsis in New Zealand.
  • Literature review and recent national data informed the guideline reassessment.

Implementation:

  • The incidence of early-onset GBS sepsis in New Zealand has decreased significantly.
  • Missed opportunities for GBS infection prevention were identified.
  • Adoption of a national guideline for GBS sepsis prevention and management is proposed.

Implications:

  • A risk-based GBS prevention strategy remains the most clinically and cost-effective approach for New Zealand.
  • Universal routine antenatal GBS screening is not recommended.
  • National guideline adoption aims to further reduce GBS sepsis incidence.
Abstract

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