The network of surveillance of infections streptococcal B in Emilia-Romagna: Prevention of early infections [La rete di sorveglianza delle infezioni da Streptococco B nella Regione Emilia-Romagna: Prevenzione delle infezioni precoci]

Prospective area based study of group B Streptococcus infections Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in newborns Intrapartum administration of antibiotics to GBS colonized mothers reduces the rate of early-onset disease. Objectives To promote a common prevention strategy in an Italian region, to analyze clinical findings, trends of disease incidence and factors which determine the persistence of the disease. Methods Prospective, area-based study, during a 6 years period; all delivery units and regional laboratories involved in the study. Results A screening-based strategy was adopted by centres. The incidence of earlyonset disease was low with respect to European countries; most of residual cases were associated with the culture detection failure of organisms at 35-37 weeks of gestation. Meningitis was much more common among infants with late-onset disease. Both, early- and late-onset infections had no significant variations of disease incidence during the 6 years study period. Conclusions Prevention strategies reduced the rate and the severity of early-infections. Most residual cases were due to the culture detection failure of organisms at antenatal screening; additional efforts are therefore required to implement the strategy.