How should positive Group B Strep cultures be treated during labor?

When treating positive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) cultures during labor, the recommended approach is to administer antibiotics intravenously to the mother. This is crucial because GBS can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery, posing risks such as sepsis or meningitis in the infant.

The standard treatment involves the administration of penicillin (PCN) through intravenous piggyback (IVPB) every four hours during labor. This method ensures that the antibiotic remains at effective levels in the maternal bloodstream and helps to prevent the transmission of GBS to the baby as the birth process occurs. The timing and method of the administration (IVPB) are critical for ensuring adequate prophylaxis, as opposed to oral antibiotics, which would not provide sufficient levels in a timely manner.

Other forms of treatment such as topical antibiotics after delivery are not effective in preventing transmission during labor, which is why they are not the appropriate choice in this situation. Additionally, not treating a positive GBS culture during labor can lead to serious complications for the newborn, hence indicating that no treatment is not a viable option.