Guidelines for Prevention of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Infection by Chemoprohylaxis

Introduction

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Intrapartum maternal chemoprophylaxis has been shown to be an effective means of reducing the incidence of GBS perinatal disease, especially early onset neonatal disease. However, difficulties and dilemmas exist in determining which pregnant women should receive such intrapartum antibiotic therapy. The following guidelines were developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases and the Committee on Fetus and Newborn and recommend selective treatment of high-risk women based on the presence of GBS carriage and known risk factors.