Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections arc responsible for significant
perinatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. It has been p
roposed that to prevent neonatal sepsis, all pregnant women be screene
d for GBS colonization, and that intrapartum antibiotics be used in ce
rtain high-risk situations. These recommendations are controversial, a
s is the current management of the asymptomatic newborn of a GBS-colon
ized mother.