While waiting for a vaccine: opportunities for optimization of neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease prevention in Israel

To quantify effects of different strategies for decreasing neonatal early onset GBS sepsis (EOGBS) in Israel. A risk allocation model for EOGBS among infants ≥ 35w was adapted to Israeli data. Effects of strategies for antepartum (APS) and intrapartum (IPS) screening, and intrapartum (IAP) and/or postpartum antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) were calculated. Estimated EOGBS attack rates (AR) with APS in 90%, IAP in 90%, may reduce AR to 0.18/1000. A rapid intrapartum test would further decrease AR to 0.16/1000, while reducing IAP from 21.3 to 12.5% of women. For babies with risk factors and GBS+ who do not receive IAP, further risk reduction could be achieved by PAP. IAP remains the main intervention to decrease EOGBS. IAP and PAP together may reduce EOGBS present incidence by 40%. Combining rapid intrapartum screening with selective IAP and selective PAP for remaining gaps, would be the most efficient strategy.