Transplacental Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Newborn Rabbits
Author Information
Author(s): Arda Lembet, Robert S. McDuffie, Jr., Ronald S. Gibbs
Primary Institution: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
A single dose of antibiotic administered prior to labor reduces neonatal GBS colonization and sepsis.
Conclusion
Single dose transplacental prophylaxis given 4 hours before delivery resulted in decreased neonatal GBS colonization and bacteremia and improved neonatal survival in rabbits.
Supporting Evidence
- 0 of 39 pups of treated does had positive oropharyngeal cultures compared to 26 of 27 (96%) pups of saline-treated does.
- Treated pups were significantly less likely to have positive anorectal cultures at 24, 48, and 72 h after birth compared to control animals.
- Cumulative neonatal survival was higher in treated pups compared to controls at 72 and 96 h after birth.
Takeaway
Giving a medicine to pregnant rabbits before they give birth helps keep their babies from getting sick from a germ called GBS.
Methodology
Pregnant rabbits were inoculated with GBS and then treated with either antibiotics or saline before inducing labor and assessing neonatal outcomes.
Potential Biases
The study was double-blinded, reducing bias, but the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
Limitations
The study used a rabbit model, which may not fully replicate human conditions, and only one timing of antibiotic administration was tested.
Participant Demographics
New Zealand white rabbits, 31-day gestation.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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