Efficacy of intramuscular penicillin in the eradication of group Bstreptococcal colonization at delivery
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Publication Title
The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Keywords
IM penicillin, group B streptococcal prophylaxis
Abstract
Objective. Due to rapid deliveries and human error, not all group B streptococcal positive mothers will receive adequate prophylactic antibiotic treatment in labor. We sought to determine if long acting intramuscular penicillin given after a positive culture result would be efficacious in eradicating group B streptococcal colonization at the time of delivery.
Methods. Patients positive for group B streptococci at 35–37 weeks were randomized to receive 2.4 million units of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G suspension (Bicillin® L-A) versus no treatment. Study patients were recultured at the time of admission to labor and delivery prior to receiving prophylactic antibiotics according to CDC guidelines.
Results. A total of 53 patients were enrolled. A small but significant decrease in the rate of group B streptococcal colonization was observed in the treatment group (14/27, 52%) versus the control group (20/23, 87%), p = 0.03.
Conclusion. The large number of persistent carriers suggests that 2.4 million units of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G suspension (Bicillin® L-A) is insufficient as sole therapy. However, the decline in group B streptococcal carriers might lessen the risk of failed or insufficient intrapartum treatment. Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G suspension (Bicillin® L-A) may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for patients at risk for rapid delivery, before adequate intrapartum prophylaxis can be given.
Recommended Citation
Pinette, M.G., Thayer, K., Wax, J.R., Blackstone, J., & Cartin, A. (2005). Efficacy of intramuscular penicillin in the eradication of group Bstreptococcal colonization at delivery, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 17(5), 333-335. DOI: 10.1080/14767050500132302
