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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Prophylaxis for neonatal group B streptococcus infections

J D Siegel1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-9063, USA.

Seminars in Perinatology
|April 2, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) prevention in neonates is highly effective. Implementing intrapartum chemoprophylaxis can prevent over 80% of early-onset GBS disease cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal infectious diseases
  • Microbiology and epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of invasive bacterial disease in neonates.
  • Two decades of research have focused on GBS prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review GBS microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations.
  • Summarize studies leading to the 1996 consensus guidelines for perinatal GBS disease prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on GBS.
  • Analysis of studies on prevention strategies and intrapartum chemoprophylaxis.

Main Results:

  • Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis with penicillin or ampicillin, when consistently implemented, prevents over 80% of early-onset GBS disease.
  • Current debates focus on universal screening vs. risk-based strategies and neonate management.

Conclusions:

  • Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis is a highly effective strategy for preventing neonatal GBS disease.
  • Guidelines are expected to evolve with further experience and ongoing research.

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