Study the effect of Chlorhexidine using in prevention of neonatal morbidity associated with Group B-Streptococcal vaginal colonization

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of chlorhexidine to minimize streptococcal vaginal colonization and to find the effect of chlorhexidine on neonatal morbidity.Design: A prospective and case controlled study.Setting: this study was done in Elwiyah teaching hospital and Tikrit teaching hospital, Iraq.Tools and Methods: Eighty women were chosen with vaginal group B-streptococcal colonization through vaginal swab for culture and sensitivity; and included in this study.Fifty patients were considered as a study group and thirty patients were considered as a control group. Study group offered vaginal disinfection with chlohexidine while control group deprived from disinfection with chlorhexidine.Buccal and conjunctival swabs were collected from newborns following delivery and sent for culture and sensitivity for detection of presence of group B-streptococcus infection in these swabs.Result: In the study group 20% of neonates were affected while in the control group 50% of neonates were affected .Repeating disinfection with chlorhexidine is better than single disinfection .Conclusion: Disinfection of vagina with chlorhexidine was effective in reducing infant morbidity.