Evaluation of rapid intrapartum PCR screening for Group B Streptococcus in mothers of full-term newborns at a level 3 maternity center

BACKGROUND: Rapid intrapartum PCR testing for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been implemented in our Maternity Hospital since March 2020 to better identify women at highest risk of transmitting GBS during labor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center, observational, descriptive study comparing two populations of full-term newborns delivered by women who underwent either vaginal GBS culture in 2019 or rapid intrapartum GBS PCR in 2022. Newborns with congenital anomalies, surgical conditions, or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 8,634 mother-newborn dyads were included and analyzed. The incidence of early onset GBS sepsis was 0,46 per 1,000 live births. We observed a significant reduction in the proportion of neonates receiving antibiotic therapy more than 72 h (OR 0.60 [0.40;0.88]), as well as a significant overall decrease in neonatal antibiotic use (OR 0.64 [0.47;0,89]). In 2022, only 0,76% of pregnant women had an unknown GBS status at delivery. The administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis remained appropriate, with no increase in the proportion of women receiving antibiotics (12,3% in 2019 vs. 12,2% in 2022). CONCLUSION: Rapid intrapartum GBS PCR testing appears to be a valuable screening tool for preventing neonatal GBS infections.