Prevention Guidelines

Professional associations have recommendations for how to prevent and manage group B strep disease in newborns as well as guidelines for laboratorians.

Obstetric providers

In June 2019, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a new Committee Opinion—Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Early-Onset Disease in Newborns. ACOG’s guidance replaces the 2010 guidelines published by CDC.

Pediatric providers

In July 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a new clinical report—Management of Infants at Risk for Group B Streptococcal Disease. AAP’s Clinical Report replaces the 2010 guidelines published by CDC. Additionally, in late 2018, AAP released guidance that pertains to management of infants with suspected or proven early-onset sepsis.

Laboratorians

In July 2021, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) published a new guideline—Guidelines for the Detection and Identification of Group B Streptococcus. ASM’s guideline replaces the 2010 guidelines published by CDC.

Working together to protect newborns

CDC, AAP, ACOG, ASM, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have worked together on GBS prevention for many years and new guidance represents both progress and continued collaboration between these groups. These organizations remain committed to working together to protect newborns from GBS disease. CDC will continue to stay engaged actively in evaluating guidelines implementation along with impact and trends in disease burden. CDC will also continue to build the evidence base relevant to maternal GBS vaccination.