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Guideline

Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease

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Last updated:1st Sep 2017
Status: Live
Prevention of Early-onset Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Disease - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)


GBS is recognised as the most frequent cause of severe early-onset infection in newborn infants. GBS is present in the bowel flora of 20–40% of adults (colonisation) and those who are colonised are called ‘carriers’. This includes pregnant women. There is variation in practice across the UK regarding the best strategies to prevent EOGBS disease.

In 2015, the incidence of EOGBS in the UK and Ireland was 0.57/1000 births (517 cases), a significant increase from the previous surveillance undertaken in 2000 where an incidence of 0.48/1000 was recorded.

The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance for obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists on the prevention of early-onset (less than 7 days of age) neonatal group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease and the information to be provided to women, their partners and families. Prevention of late-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease and treatment of established GBS is not considered beyond initial antibiotic therapy.


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