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Italian Journal of Pediatrics
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Strategies for preventing group B streptococcal infections in newborns: a nation-wide survey of Italian policies

Authors: Chryssoula Tzialla, Alberto Berardi, Claudio Farina, Pierangelo Clerici, Alessandro Borghesi, Elsa Viora, Paolo Scollo, Mauro Stronati, Task Force for group B streptococcal infections for the Italian Society of Neonatology, Italian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

There are no Italian data regarding the strategies for preventing neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) infection. We conducted a national survey in order to explore obstetrical, neonatal and microbiological practices for the GBS prevention.

Methods

Three distinct questionnaires were sent to obstetricians, neonatologists and microbiologists. Questionnaires included data on prenatal GBS screening, maternal risk factors, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, microbiological information concerning specimen processing and GBS antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results

All respondent obstetrical units used the culture-based screening approach to identify women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and more than half of the microbiological laboratories (58%) reported using specimen processing consistent with CDC guidelines. Most neonatal units (89 out of 107, 82%) reported using protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis consistent with CDC guidelines.

Conclusions

The screening-based strategy is largely prevalent in Italy, and most protocols for preventing GBS early-onset sepsis are consistent with CDC guidelines. However, we found discrepancies in practices among centers that may reflect the lack of Italian guidelines issued by public health organizations.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Strategies for preventing group B streptococcal infections in newborns: a nation-wide survey of Italian policies
Authors
Chryssoula Tzialla
Alberto Berardi
Claudio Farina
Pierangelo Clerici
Alessandro Borghesi
Elsa Viora
Paolo Scollo
Mauro Stronati
Task Force for group B streptococcal infections for the Italian Society of Neonatology
Italian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-017-0409-1

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