Monday, 17 November 2008 18:58 |
Pediatric News reports that an experimental vaccine is being tested in pregnant women to try to protect the developing fetus from group B streptococcus, which is said to cause sepsis and meningitis in newborns. The primary cause of this type of infection in newborns is amniocentesis, the premature rupture of membranes and the side-effects of epidurals, "Maternal vaccination is a two-for-one prevention strategy," said Dr. Baker, professor of microbiology and immunology at Boston University. The article says that in a preliminary study less than half of the women experienced mild to moderate side effects. They hope to have this licensed for use within 5 years.
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