​Early-onset GBS Disease

“Prevention is better than cure.” – Desiderius Erasmus​

GBS infections which occur within the first week of life are called “early-onset” GBS disease.  In 2002, the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommended that all pregnant women should be screened for GBS (“universal screening”) and, if positive, given IV antibiotics during labor and delivery to help prevent early-onset GBS disease. Fortunately, this has resulted in a drastic decline in the incidence of GBS infections within the first week of life. However,  group B strep remains the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns in the United States of America.
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Other countries that have implemented universal screening for GBS colonization during pregnancy include Canada, Argentina, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Efforts are being made worldwide to implement better GBS care in all countries. Please share country-focused resources and articles with GBSI at info@gbs-intl.org.

Please click on the country name to view GBS info specific to Trinidad and Tobago.
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New! Downloadable “Symptoms of GBS Infection in Babies” ~ Three to a page with room for emergency contact info! Please post visibly for family, friends, and baby’s caregivers to be able to recognize the symptoms of GBS disease.