Long-term Impact of Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease in Early Infancy (GBS-LTO): A Retrospective Cohort Study in England

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of severe infection in newborns. It can be passed from mother to baby during labour, and from mothers and others after birth. Most babies colonised with GBS remain well, but some develop GBS infection, usually in the first two days after birth. To reduce the risk of newborn infection, antibiotics can be given to the mother during labour. However, the long-term effects of antibiotics are unknown, and giving antibiotics may contribute to antibiotic resistance. 

To determine whether routine testing for GBS in late pregnancy or during labour is effective and cost-effective, the National Institute for Health Research is funding a large study (GBS3) led by the University of Nottingham. The study will provide evidence to the UK National Screening Committee on whether all women should be offered GBS testing in pregnancy or around birth. 

 To ensure GBS3's findings reflect both the immediate and long-term consequences for babies who develop GBS infection, the study will use mathematical modelling to estimate outcomes through childhood years. To do this, the study will link and assess routinely collected English data from three datasets: the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), and the Office for National Statistics. 

 The aim of the study is to measure and compare survival, health-related quality of life, and healthcare needs of individuals who had and did not have GBS infection as a baby. This will help researchers better understand the long-term outlook for babies who develop GBS infection. 

 Study is ongoing, working on accessing and preparing linked electronic health records for analysis.