The spectrum of perinatal group B streptococcal disease

Abstract

The progressive unfolding, over four decades, of an understanding of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and its global disease burden support the rationale for maternal immunization as a key strategy to prevent GBS perinatal infections. This review highlights, in historical context, the recognition of GBS as a human pathogen, definition of epidemiologic features of disease, pathogenesis, outcomes, impact of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, development of glycoconjugate vaccines and appreciation of the global scope of GBS perinatal disease. These cumulative advances in the GBS field coupled with an increasing acceptance of immunization during pregnancy suggest the timing is optimal for introduction of a glycoconjugate GBS vaccine for use in pregnant women.

Keywords: CDC; CPS; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; GBS; Group B Streptococcus; IAI; IAP; Ig; Maternal immunization; Meningitis; Neonates; PROM; PTL; Pregnancy; TT; US; United States; Vaccine; capsular polysaccharide; group B Streptococcus; immunoglobulin; intra-amniotic infection; intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; preterm labor; prolonged rupture of membranes; tetanus toxoid.