Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

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Streptococcus agalactiae ; Sepsis of the newborn; Lancefield group B streptococcus; Group B streptococcus

The American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established two methods to help reduce the risk of Group B streptococcal septicemia.

1. Pregnant women are tested for group B streptococcus at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Those who show presence of the bacteria are given antibiotics through an IV during labor.
2. Prenatal screening is not done, but women are given antibiotics through an IV during labor (if they meet certain risk factors).

Both sets of procedures are currently accepted as the standard of care. In all cases, proper hand washing by nursery caretakers, visitors, and parents helps prevent the spread of the bacteria after the infant is born.

An early diagnosis can help decrease the risk of some complications.

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.