Perinatal transmission of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases. Part II: Group B streptococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have reached epidemic proportion in the United States and have captured the attention of both laypersons and health care professionals. Of special concern is that most STDs can be transmitted vertically to the offspring of infected mothers. Since the advent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, other STDs have been at risk of being relatively disregarded. This paper, the second of two parts, reviews issues of prevalence, morbidity, mortality, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of group B streptococcal and chlamydial infections as they affect the maternal-fetal dyad.