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Non-Antibiotic Alternatives For Reducing Antepartum Group B Streptococcus Colonization, Rebecca M. Smith

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Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (known as Group B strep, or GBS) is a bacterium that resides in the gastrointestinal tract and/or vaginal canal and is typically benign, but during pregnancy and birth it can potentially colonize the neonate, causing early-onset group B streptococcal disease (EOGBSD) of the neonate. The use of antibiotics has reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal infections, but it is not an entirely effective means of preventing the infections and the development of antibiotic resistance may render antibiotics ineffective for this purpose. Alternative methods of preventing GBS colonization are in use by consumers and out-of-hospital birth …