Group B streptococcal infections in pregnancy and early life

Abstract

Bacterial infections with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are an important cause of adverse outcomes in pregnant individuals, neonates, and infants. GBS is a common commensal in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts and can be detected in the vagina of approximately 20% of women globally. GBS can infect the fetus either during pregnancy or vaginal delivery resulting in preterm birth, stillbirth, or early-onset neonatal disease (EOD) in the first week of life. The mother can also become infected with GBS leading to postpartum endometritis, and rarely, maternal sepsis. An invasive GBS infection of the neonate may present after the first week of life (late-onset disease, LOD) through transmission from caregivers, breast milk, and other sources. Invasive GBS infections in neonates can result in sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, neurodevelopmental impairment, death, and lifelong disability. A policy of routine screening for GBS rectovaginal colonization in well-resourced countries can trigger the administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) when prenatal testing is positive, which drastically reduces rates of EOD. However, many countries do not routinely screen pregnant women for GBS colonization but may administer IAP in cases with a high risk of EOD. IAP does not reduce rates of LOD. A global vaccination campaign is needed to reduce the significant burden of invasive GBS disease that remains among infants and pregnant individuals. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the global impact of GBS colonization and infection, virulence factors and pathogenesis, and current and future prophylactics and therapeutics.