The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47505

Celia F. Golden, MD¹, Don Weiss, MD, MPH², and Marcelle Layton, MD². (1) Medical and Professional Education and Training, New York City Department of Health, 346 Broadway, CN-12, New York City, NY 10013, 212-676-0457, cgolden@health.nyc.gov, (2) Communicable Disease Program, New York City Department of Health, 125 Worth St, Box 22a, New York, NY 10013

Background: Early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcus (EONGBS) disease is the principal cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. A recent decline in EONGBS may be due to the publication of guidelines regarding antibiotic use during labor for GBS prophylaxis. GBS became a reportable disease in New York City (NYC) in August 2000. Methods: The NYC Department of Health (NYCDOH) began conducting medical chart reviews of all reported cases of EONGBS disease dating from August 2000 until the present. A survey regarding hospital policy for antibiotic use to prevent EONGBS is presently being conducted of all NYC institutions that provide birthing services. Laboratories serving these institutions will shortly be surveyed regarding their GBS detection methods. The NYCDOH Vital Statistics Department will provide hospital-specific birth data, including total number of births, and percentage of mothers that received prenatal care. Results: Currently, 31 cases (0.17/ 1000 live births) of EONGBS disease have been reported. The number of cases that were preventable by the use of GBS prevention guidelines will be determined. The possibility of a relationship between the absence of GBS prevention policies at birthing institutions and the number of GBS cases will be examined. The prevalence of GBS prevention policies among the 49 NYC birthing institutions will be determined. The adequacy of the GBS detection methods employed by laboratories serving these institutions will be established. Conclusions: The need for the NYCDOH to encourage more birthing facilities to adopt GBS prevention policies or for laboratories to use appropriate detection methods will be determined.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize that early-onset neonatal Group B Streptococcus (EONGBS) disease may be preventable.
• Articulate the prevalence of EONGBS prevention policies in New York City birthing facilities.
• Identify steps the New York City Department of Health may take to further decrease the incidence of EONGBS disease.

Keywords: Prevention, Infectious Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York City Department of Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment