Tag: Neonatal sepsis

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), or *Streptococcus agalactiae*, is the most common cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in newborns in the United States. The first line treatment for *Streptococcus agalactiae* is a beta-lactam antibiotic, such as penicillin or ampicillin, though the specific regimen varies depending on the patient's age and clinical scenario.

Globally, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of severe infections in newborns, particularly in Africa where the burden is highest. While macrolides like azithromycin were once considered viable alternatives for GBS treatment, evolving pharmacology and concerning rates of bacterial resistance now limit their use in many clinical situations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of a newborn developing early-onset group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease is significantly reduced—from 1 in 200 to 1 in 4,000—when a pregnant person receives adequate antibiotics during labor. Understanding **what is the difference between adequate and inadequate GBS treatment** is vital for ensuring the best possible outcome for the newborn.

Studies in animal models have demonstrated azithromycin's efficacy against certain strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), sometimes even showing better results than penicillin G in treating septic arthritis. Despite these promising findings, real-world clinical use of azithromycin for GBS is limited by significant antibiotic resistance, which makes it an unreliable choice for primary treatment.

Group B *Streptococcus* (GBS) is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns, yet its susceptibility to various antibiotics is a critical area of pharmacological study. A key question for clinicians is, **does cefotaxime cover Group B strep** effectively, especially in these severe neonatal cases?

Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, a standard practice since the 1990s, has led to a significant reduction in early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease. This crucial intervention, guided by established health protocols, centers on answering the question: **What antibiotic is used for GBS infection?**.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of early-onset Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease in newborns has decreased significantly over the last few decades due to screening and prevention efforts. When a bloodstream infection like GBS bacteremia does occur, understanding **how long do you take antibiotics for GBS bacteremia** is critical for effective treatment and avoiding complications.

Neonatal infections account for 22% of all deaths in children under five, making effective antibiotic treatment critical. This article explores the question: What oral antibiotics are used in neonates for conditions not requiring initial intravenous therapy or as step-down treatment?