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Is routine antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus appropriate for women in New Zealand? A review of the evidence

Abstract:

The management of Group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GBS) has become a practice issue for New Zealand midwives in recent years, as hospitals have implemented protocols for ‘risk factor’ screening in an attempt to reduce the incidence of Early Onset GBS Infection (EOGBSI). These protocols have been developed in an informal, ad hoc way and vary from hospital to hospital within New Zealand. Consequently, the prospect of routine antenatal screening for GBS colonisation motivated this review of research about GBS carriage patterns, sensitivity, effectiveness and cost of screening. Recommendations for practice and policy are offered which are based on evidence rather than fear, anecdote and a potentially misplaced belief in the efficacy of screening in this context.

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antenatal screening, Early Onset GBS Infection, Group B Streptococcus