Maternal GBS

Question 1

Approx 15-25% of women will be asymptomatic carriers of Group B Strep, which if untreated results in a risk of

Answer 1

neonatal sepsis in 1/200 babies

Question 2

The risk factors for neonatal GBS infection are:

Answer 2

Preterm labour
Membrane rupture > 18 hours
Maternal fever >38 degrees
GBS hx - known carriage or GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, previous GBS-infected neonate

Question 3

How do we screen for GBS?

Answer 3

Prenatal screening at 35-37 weeks with combined low vaginal and anorectal swab.

Question 4

What chemoprophylaxis should be given?

Answer 4

Begin > 4 hours prior to delivery with benzylpenicillin 1.2g IV, then 600mg 4-hourly until delivery
(use clindamycin in penicillin allergy)