Evaluation of Universal Antenatal Screening for Group B Streptococcus

Invasive group B streptococcal disease is a leading cause of illness in the first week of life. Universal culture-based screening in the third trimester of pregnancy was recommended in the United States in 2002. This study shows that this policy has been associated with a decrease in the incidence of group B streptococcal disease. Populations that may benefit from additional preventive measures are identified. Universal culture-based screening in the third trimester of pregnancy was recommended in the United States in 2002. This study shows that this policy has been associated with a decrease in the incidence of group B streptococcal disease. Invasive group B streptococcal disease emerged in the 1970s as a leading infectious cause of illness and death in the first week of life. 1 Clinical trials in the 1980s showed that early-onset group B streptococcal disease (i.e., occurring in infants