Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of infections during pregnancy: implementation of recommended interventions, United States, 2003-2004

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe prenatal screening, positive test rates, and the administration of indicated interventions for hepatitis B, rubella, syphilis, group B streptococcus (GBS), chlamydia, and gonorrhea in the United States using 2 population-based surveys. STUDY DESIGN: Both surveys abstracted demographic, prenatal, and delivery data from a representative sample of delivering women in 10 states. Analyses accounted for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: Among the 7691 and 19,791 women in the 2 studies, screened proportions before delivery were more than 90% for hepatitis B and rubella, 80% for syphilis, 72-85% for GBS, and less than 80% for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Inadequate prenatal care was the strongest factor associated with no screening. Administration of interventions indicated by positive test results was variable but generally low. CONCLUSION: Improved prenatal screening and administration of indicated treatments or interventions, particularly for syphilis, GBS, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, will further protect newborns from infection.