Risk Factors for Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis with Group B Streptococcus

 

Patient selection: neonate < 7 days old

 

Risk factors for early onset GBS sepsis:

(1) maternal colonization with Group B Streptococcus during the pregnancy

(2) history of a sibling with neonatal invasive Group B Streptococcus infection

(3) delivery at < 37 weeks gestation

(4) prolonged rupture of the membranes (>= 18 hours)

(5) chorioamnionitis

(6) Black race

(7) low maternal serum levels of anticapsular antibodies to Group B Streptococcus

(8) young maternal age

 

Factors reducing the risk of early onset GBS sepsis:

(1) adequate and appropriate chemoprophylaxis