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Review
. 2017 Jan;102(1):72-77.
doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311419. Epub 2016 Oct 18.

Challenges in reducing group B Streptococcus disease in African settings

Yo Nishihara  1 , Ziyaad Dangor  2   3   4 , Neil French  1   5 , Shabir Madhi  3   4 , Robert Heyderman  1   6
Affiliations
Review

Challenges in reducing group B Streptococcus disease in African settings

Yo Nishihara et al. Arch Dis Child. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in high-income settings and is associated with high rates of neonatal mortality and morbidity. There is now increasing evidence to suggest that there is a high GBS disease burden in resource-limited countries, and it is therefore critically important to identify suitable and practical preventive strategies. In Europe and North America, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) has led to a dramatic reduction of early-onset GBS disease. However, the methods for identifying pregnant women who should receive IAP and how to reduce late-onset GBS disease are not without controversy and are challenging for most sub-Saharan African countries. GBS vaccines are approaching phase III trials but are still under development. This review aims to explore the current evidence related to strategies for reducing invasive GBS disease in an African setting, the development of a GBS vaccine and whether preventative measures against GBS disease can be practically implemented.

Keywords: Africa; GBS vaccine; group B streptococcus; intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; neonatal sepsis.

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Conflict of interest statement

NF is in receipt of investigator-led research grants from GlaxoSmithKline. NF and RH received funding from Novartis to conduct a trial of a GBS conjugate vaccine. SAM's institution receives grant funding for work on group B streptococcus disease from Novartis and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathogenesis of neonatal group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease and target for intervention. IAP, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; PROM, prolonged rupture of membrane.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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