Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the main cause of newborn infection. Maternal GBS colonization of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts is the primary factor for neonatal GBS early-onset disease (GBS-EOD). Approximately 50% of women with GBS colonization transmit the bacteria to their newborns, 1%-2% of which will develop GBS-EOD without intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. This expert consensus underlines the standardization of the timing and detection methods of GBS screening, the diagnostic criteria and treatment of GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, aiming to guide clinical practice and prevent GBS-EOD in newborns.

Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcal infections; Early medical intervention; Peripartum period; Consensus