Editor’s Note: This special edition of NeoNotes is dedicated to the discussion of recent changes to the CDC guidelines for the prevention of perinatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection.  Since the introduction of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) in 1992, we have seen a 70% reduction in the incidence of early-onset GBS disease.  The “consensus” guidelines published in 1996 allowed for a choice of either a screening culture strategy or a risk-based strategy to select women for IAP.  A recent study by Schrag et al (see 3-034 on our web site) has demonstrated that the screening culture strategy is over 50% more effective than the risk-based strategy.  These data prompted revision of the 1996 guidelines to place more emphasis on the screening culture strategy.  There are several other changes and additions in the new CDC guidelines which recommend significant changes to current management for mothers and babies alike.  In this issue, we will highlight the differences between the 1996 and the 2002 guidelines, and discuss the reasons for the changes and the impact on our practices. ABK .