Virtual conference on Group B strep
Anyone looking for a masterclass on Group B strep during pregnancy, labour and after birth will want to know about a one-day virtual conference in June
Run by the charity Group B Strep Support, the event will bring together world-leading international experts to talk about Group B strep prevention policies, different testing options, antibiotic usage, and the progress towards a GBS vaccine.
Group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, and of meningitis in babies under the age of 3 months.
There are around 300 cases of neonatal meningitis, including Group B streptococcal, E.coli and listeria, each year. About 10 per cent are fatal and up to 50 per cent may be left with after-effects.
Currently there is no vaccine to protect against GBS disease and in the UK there is no national screening programme to routinely check all pregnant women to see if they are carrying GBS bacteria.
However, a risk-based strategy is used and antibiotics can be given to women at increased risk of GBS disease during labour and also to babies immediately after birth.
Line-up of world experts
The virtual conference, Group B Strep in Pregnancy & Babies, on Wednesday 2 June, is suitable for anyone with an interest in Group B strep and maternity and neonatal care and is approved by the Royal College of Pathologists for 6 CPD credits.
Jane Plumb MBE, Chief Executive of Group B Strep Support, said: “We are delighted to be running this conference, which has attracted a truly excellent line-up of world experts who will be presenting cutting-edge research and debating the key issues around Group B strep.
“We had over 200 delegates at our last physical conference and we expect the move to a virtual conference will mean the number of attendees will increase, particularly given the interest shown so far.”
You can read more about the conference at https://gbss.org.uk/professional-resources/conference-2021/.
The full programme will be recorded and made available after the event to those who register.
Been affected by GBS disease?
Don’t face meningitis alone. Call our Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org to speak to our experienced staff. You can access our free support or ask us any questions.
Read more about Group B streptococcal meningitis.
