Transfer of group B streptococci from mothers to neonates: effect of whole body washing of mothers with chlorhexidine.

Seven babies born to 28 mothers who were vaginal carriers of group B streptococci and who bathed or showered with chlorhexidine during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy were colonized with an organism of the same phage type as their mothers. In contrast, nine babies of 14 carrier mothers who were given no instructions regarding washing were colonized with the same phage type as their mothers. Ten of the 84 sites sampled for group B streptococci on the babies born to mothers using chlorhexidine were positive, whereas 17 of 42 were positive in the babies born to control mothers. This trial suggests that whole body washing with chlorhexidine may reduce the transfer of group B streptococci from mothers to infants, but did not exclude the possibility that body washing by itself may have a similar effect.