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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
[Decrease in Group B Streptococcal Infections in Neonates: Analysis of Health Insurance Data 2005 to 2017]
Anna-Lisa Sorg1, Viola Obermeier1, Jakob Armann2
1Institute for Social Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Epidemiology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening in pregnant women is associated with a significant decrease in early-onset sepsis (EOS) risk for newborns. This trend highlights the effectiveness of GBS screening in neonatal care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- German guidelines recommend Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening for pregnant women to prevent neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS).
- GBS screening is not yet a mandatory part of German Maternity Directives.
- This study investigated the relationship between GBS screening trends and EOS incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal trends in neonatal EOS incidence.
- To determine the association between GBS screening and EOS risk.
- To evaluate the impact of GBS screening on neonatal sepsis rates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of health insurance data from 313,385 mother-child pairs (2005-2017).
- GBS infections identified using ICD-10 P36.0; maternal GBS colonization (surrogate for screening) using ICD-10 B95.1.
- Logistic regression assessed EOS risk trends; Pearson's correlation examined EOS incidence and colonization marker association.
Main Results:
- Neonatal GBS EOS risk decreased by 9.3% annually (72.0% overall).
- No significant change in Late Onset Sepsis (LOS) risk was observed.
- Increased maternal GBS colonization (3.5-fold) correlated inversely with EOS incidence (r=-0.75, p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- The declining incidence of GBS-related EOS in neonates in Germany is likely linked to increased GBS screening among pregnant women.
- The stable risk of LOS suggests GBS screening specifically impacts early-onset infections.
- Findings support the broader implementation of GBS screening in prenatal care.
Background:
In the German guidelines for prophylaxis of group B streptococcal (GBS) early onset sepsis in neonates (EOS), GBS screening of all pregnant women has been recommended, but is not yet included in the Maternity Directives. Aim of the study was to identify temporal trends in incidence of EOS and their association to GBS Screening.
Methods:
The analysis based on health insurance data of the statutory health insurance provider Barmer from 2005 to 2017 of 313,385 mother-child pairs. Annual frequency of GBS infections in newborns was determined by ICD-10 P36.0. The frequency of maternal GBS colonization was indicated by ICD-10 B95.1, which was used as surrogate for GBS screening. Temporal trends of the risk of EOS in neonates were assessed in logistic regression models. Pearson's correlation coefficient of EOS incidence and the surrogate marker for maternal GBS colonization was calculated.
Results:
The risk of EOS in neonates caused by GBS has decreased annually by 9.3%, resulting in an overall decrease in the observation period of 72.0%. There was no statistical significant change in the risk for LOS (Late Onset Sepsis). The decrease of EOS could not be explained by temporal changes in Caesarian section, risk factors or preterm delivery. The 3.5 fold increase in the proportion of mothers with documented positive GBS colonization in the same period correlated inversely with the incidence of EOS (r=- 0.75; p=0.002).
Conclusion:
The decrease of EOS in neonates caused by GBS in Germany and the unchanged risk of LOS in neonates may be explained by the increasing application of the GBS Screening in pregnant women.
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