Screening of Pregnant Women for Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Early Onset Group B Streptococcus Disease in Newborns

Publication Date: September 18, 2024
Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Summary of Recommendations

Screening of pregnant women for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for the prevention of early onset Group B streptococcus disease in newborns. Offer either universal antenatal testing for Group B streptococcus colonization and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for women who screen positive (universal screening); or intrapartum assessment of risk factors and antibiotic prophylaxis for women at risk of having a newborn with early onset Group B streptococcus disease (risk-based approach). (Recommended)

6731

Recommendation Grading

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Overview

Title

Screening of Pregnant Women for Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Early Onset Group B Streptococcus Disease in Newborns

Authoring Organization

World Health Organization

Publication Month/Year

September 18, 2024

Last Updated Month/Year

October 1, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

Global

Document Objectives

Screening of pregnant women for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for the prevention of early onset Group B streptococcus disease in newborns. Offer either universal antenatal testing for Group B streptococcus colonization and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for women who screen positive (universal screening); or intrapartum assessment of risk factors and antibiotic prophylaxis for women at risk of having a newborn with early onset Group B streptococcus disease (risk-based approach). (Recommended)

Target Patient Population

The population affected by this recommendation includes all pregnant women at or near term and their newborns.

Target Provider Population

Health professionals involved in the provision of care to women and their newborns during labour and childbirth, including midwives, nurses, general medical practitioners and obstetricians, and more.

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Adolescent, Adult, Infant

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Prevention

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D011247 - Pregnancy, D013291 - Streptococcus, D025382 - Streptogramin Group B, D025381 - Streptogramin B

Keywords

streptococcus, pregnancy, newborn, Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Source Citation

WHO recommendation on screening of pregnant women for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of early onset Group B streptococcus disease in newborns. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024