Interpretation of the guideline or consensus on screening strategy and detection methods for prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal infection in European and American countries / 中华检验医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Group B streptococcus ( GBS) is the most common cause of neonatal invasive infections in western countries , leading to severe pneumonia , sepsis and meningitis with high mortality and morbidity . Neonatal GBS infections are mainly transmitted from mother to baby .Since the end of 1990 s, prevention strategies of antenatal GBS screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis ( IAP) have been implemented by European and American area , decreasing the incidence of neonatal GBS disease significantly .The harm of GBS to neonates has been recognized and valued in recent years in China , but the authorized prevention measures are still lacking.Efficacy of IAP-based prevention depends on the accuracy of GBS screening results during pregnancy .Here, the GBS prevention guideline or consensus recommended by European and American CDC, including the screening strategies , detection methods, sample collection, storage and transportation were interpreted .