Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
Intravenous ampicillin or erythromycin; intramuscular benzylpenicillin or erythromycin; intravenous penicillin G, followed by oral penicillin V.
Participants included in the review
Pregnant women with vaginal or rectal colonisation with group B streptococci, as demonstrated by cultures or a rapid screening test. Women had to be treated with antibiotic during, but not before, labour.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Group B streptococci neonatal outcomes: colonisation, proved early- or late-onset infection, probable infection and proved infection due to organisms other than group B streptococci.
Group B streptococci maternal outcomes: sepsis, postpartum febrile morbidity and postpartum vaginal colonisation.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two researchers assessed the papers independently, and any disagreements were discussed.