GROUP AND STREPTOCOCCI - RESULTS OF A PROTOCOL OF ANTEPARTUM SCREENING AND INTRAPARTUM TREATMENT

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate and report the results of a pro tocol for the identification and treatment of all group B streptococca l carriers. STUDY DESIGN: In 1991 we instituted a protocol of antepart um cultures for group B streptococci on all pregnant women who attende d clinics at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. Cultures were obtained from the lower third of the vagina and rectum at 24 to 28 we eks' gestation. Women with positive cultures were treated with intrave nous antibiotics in labor. Women with signs of chorioamnionitis (throu gh intrapartum assessment) were also treated in labor, regardless of c arrier status. RESULTS: During the first 2 years of this protocol 1681 women were delivered. Forty percent of the women were from the privat e practice, 32% were black, and 62% were married. The group B streptoc occal carriage rate was 14%. During the period of evaluation there wer e no infants infected with group B streptococci and no adverse reactio ns or complications among women who were treated with antibiotics. CON CLUSION: We found antepartum screening and intrapartum chemoprophylaxi s of all group B streptococcal carriers to be an acceptable and effect ive protocol for reducing perinatal group B Streptococcal infections.