The Role of Mikvah Immersion in Group B Streptococcus Carrier Rate Amongst Orthodox Jewish Women
Jeanette Toney M.D.; Meghan Rattigan D.O.; Yen-Hong Kuo, PhD
Jersey Shore University Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, June 5, 2018
Background: GBS
Group B Streptococcus is the leading cause of early onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis in the U.S.
Approximately 25% of women carry GBS in vagina or rectum
Universal screening at 35-37wks
Risk factors for neonatal GBS disease: prematurity, prolonged ROM, intra-amniotic infection,
young maternal age, black race, prior infant with GBS disease, and heavy colonization with GBS
