Group B Streptococcus in Pregnancy

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2023 Jun;50(2):375-387. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.02.009. Epub 2023 Apr 2.

Abstract

To decrease risk of early-onset neonatal sepsis from group B streptococcus (GBS), pregnant patients should undergo screening between 36 0/7 and 37 6/7 weeks' gestation. Patients with a positive vaginal-rectal culture, GBS bacteriuria , or history of newborn with GBS disease should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) with an agent targeting GBS. If GBS status is unknown at time of labor, IAP should be administered in cases of preterm birth, rupture of membranes for >18 hours, or intrapartum fever. The antibiotic of choice is intravenous penicillin; alternatives should be considered in cases of penicillin allergy depending on allergy severity.

Keywords: Group B streptococcus; Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; Neonatal sepsis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity* / drug therapy
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious* / prevention & control
  • Premature Birth* / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections* / drug therapy
  • Streptococcus agalactiae

Substances

  • Penicillins
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents