Guidelines for Prevention of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal
Infection
Purpose of Policy:
Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) to prevent neonatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease has
reduced the incidence of invasive early-onset GBS infections in newborns by 70%. The revised 2002
CDC guidelines for the prevention of GBS disease are based upon universal screening for GBS in all
pregnant women.
Scope of Policy:
Nurses, LIP with OB privileges, residents
Policy/guideline:
I.
Screening:
Screen every (see exceptions*) pregnant woman for GBS with vaginal and rectal
culture at 35-37 weeks gestation. If the pt is PCN allergic, request sensitivities on
culture. Review culture results.
If a GBS culture is positive during the current pregnancy, regardless of EGA
obtained, the patient is treated as GBS positive. If a GBS culture is negative, and
was obtained > 5 weeks prior, re-screen for GBS.
(* Do NOT screen at 35-37 weeks patients who:
○ GBS bacteriuria in present pregnancy
○ Previous infant affected by invasive GBS disease
These patients will automatically receive prophylaxis at delivery)
II.
Intrapartum Prophylaxis Indicated:
 Previous infant with invasive GBS disease
 GBS bacteriuria during current pregnancy
 Positive GBS screening culture during current pregnancy
(unless delivered by cesarean section, in the absence of labor or ruptured
membranes).
 Unknown GBS status (culture not done, incomplete, or results
unknown) AND any of the following:
○ Delivery at < 37 weeks’ gestation. (*see below)
○ Amniotic membrane rupture ≥ 18 hours
○ Intrapartum temperature > 100.4 0 F (≥ 38.4 C tympanic)
○ Intrapartum NAAT** + for GBS (**Nucleic acid amplification test
=rapid test for GBS; soon to be available on L&D)
If chorioamnionitis is suspected, use broad spectrum antibiotic
also active against GBS.
*● Give IAP when diagnosis of preterm labor is made at <37 wks and continue until delivery
or until labor is arrested and tocolytic therapy is discontinued.
● PPROM > 34.0 weeks: Deliver. Give IAP unless GBS culture was negative
● PPROM <34.0 weeks :
a) If laboring and + GBS/unknown GBS treat with appropriate regimen below
b) If not laboring and GBS known/unknown: latency ATBs (total = 7 days)
1) Amp 2 g IVPB then 1 g IVPB Q 6 X 48 hours and
Erythro 250 mg IVPB Q 6 X 48 hours then
2) Amoxicillin 250 mg Q 8 X 5 days and
Erythro 333 mg Q 8 X 5 days
c) Obtain GBS culture results and treat accordingly when labor begins. If
culture is negative and labor occurs > 5 weeks from result, re-screen patient
III.
Intrapartum Prophylaxis NOT Indicated:



Current pregnancy is documented to be GBS negative even if previous
pregnancy screened GBS positive.
Planned cesarean delivery performed in the absence of labor or membrane
rupture (regardless of maternal GBS culture status).
Negative vaginal and rectal GBS screening culture in late gestation during
the current pregnancy, regardless of intrapartum risk factors.
Regimens for IAP prophylaxis:
IV.
1.
PCN G, 5 million units IV initial dose, then 2.5 million
units IV every 4 hours until delivery.
2. If PCN allergic AND NOT at high risk for anaphylaxis: Cefazolin, 2g
IV initial dose, then 1g IV every 8 hours until delivery.
3. If PCN allergic AND at high risk for anaphylaxis,
GBS susceptible to both Clindamycin and Erythromycin:
Clindamycin, 900 mg IV every 8 hours until delivery
(Use of Erthromycin no longer recommended even if sensitive)
4.
If PCN allergic AND at high risk for anaphylaxis, GBS sensitivities unknown,
OR GBS resistant to either Clindamycin or Erythromycin:
Vancomycin, 1 g IV every 12 hours until delivery
V. Initiation of IAP Prophylaxis:
1. Antibiotics for IAP should be entered by the provider with admission
orders.
2. IAP antibiotics will be started by the nurse when:
a. regular CTXs established (Q 5 min or less)
b. ROM at any point in the labor process
c. as otherwise ordered in PCOSS (e.g. Start IAP on admission
for Hx rapid labor)
VI. Management of Newborns Exposed to IAP:
1.
If a woman is considered to have chorioamnionitis (maternal temp>38 AND two of the
following; maternal WBC>15, maternal tachycardia>100, fetal tachycardia>160, uterine
tenderness and foul odor of amniotic fluid) The newborn should have diagnostic
evaluation and may receive empiric antibiotic therapy. Consultation with obstetric
provider is important to determine neonatal management.
a. Level 1 Code Pink should be called for all deliveries to women with chorioamnionitis
2. Adequate GBS intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is >4 hours of PCN, ampicillin or
cefazolin before delivery. All other agents are considered inadequate for neonatal
management
3. Well appearing infants of any gestational age whose mother received adequate
intrapartum prophylaxis should be observed for >48 hours. No routine diagnostic testing
is recommended.
4. Infants born to mothers with an indication of GBS prophylaxis who received inadequate
or no treatment, if the infant is;
a. Either <37 weeks gestational age or rupture of membranes > 18 hours prior to
delivery, it is recommended that newborn should undergo limited evaluation
and observation for > 48 hours
i. Newborn’s pediatrician (appropriate private Pediatrician or Mac Peds
team for Interim/RAP patients) must be contacted by L&D nurse to
decide on course of action. Nurse should note conversation in infant
chart.
ii. Mac Peds team needs to be called as phlebotomy for any private
Pediatrician’s newborn requiring venipuncture for laboratory tests.
iii. Maternal screens including GBS status are to be reviewed by accepting
Mac 3/5 nurse as well as review of action taken for newborns born to
mother receiving inadequate IAP. If L&D nurse did not contact
Pediatrician, Mac 3/5 nurse must do so
b. If the infant is well appearing and > 37weeks and rupture of membranes
< 18 hours prior to delivery no routine diagnostic evaluation is recommended. The
infant should be observed for 48 hours.
Reference: Verani J, McGee L, SchragS.Prevention of Perinatal Group B
Streptococcal Disease; revised guidelines from CDC 2010
References:
Schrag S, Gorwitz R, Fultz-Butts K, Schuchat A. Prevention of perinatal Group B
Streptococcal disease: revised guidelines from CDC. MMWR 2002;51:1-21.
Revised and Approved 02/16/11 MacDonald Quality Council
Approved MFM division 8/28/2009
Approved Perinatal Collaborative 7 2009
Approved CQPS 8 2009
Located on the S/Drive Machouse/OB Guidelines/GBS Prophylaxis