Externally Peer Reviewed by Mosby Risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Number one cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in the U.S. Infection occurs in 2 or 3 neonates per 1000 live births. In addition to threatening the life of a neonate, GBS is also an important risk factor for the development of chorioamnionitis in the mother, thereby increasing morbidity and the rate of intrapartum complications. If the patient's rectal or vaginal cultures are positive for GBS, she should be offered intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
Oral antibiotics are ineffective.
Penicillin G is the preferred antibiotic because of its narrow spectrum, thereby making it less likely to select for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ampicillin 2 g IV followed by 1 g Q4h until delivery. IV Q8h or erythromycin 500 mg IV Q6h may be given until delivery. The patient had GBS bacteriuria during the current pregnancy. Care of the infant of a mother who has had GBS prophylaxis.