P. Shifer had asked about the efficacy and desirability of universal Strep B
screening. I have not researched the literature, but will pass along what is
done where I work. The nurse-midwifery clinic has routinely screened their
clients. Since this organism is so common, the physicians did not screen
until recently. However, infection in the baby is so devastating that they
have also begun to screen. If the mother is positive, but asymptomatic, the
baby receives blood cultures and IM Ampicillin. If the 48 hour cultures show
no growth, the antibiotics are stopped. Some other nurses/LCs have told me
that their institutions put the baby on IV antibiotics. Hope this information
is useful.