Final answer:
Early onset neonatal group B Streptococcal disease (EOGBS) refers to GBS infection in infants up to 7 days old. Incidence varies depending on various factors such as prematurity, previous GBS infection, and intrapartum pyrexia. Intravenous antibiotics can help reduce the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early onset neonatal group B Streptococcal disease (EOGBS) refers to group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in infants up to 7 days old. It occurs when the baby becomes infected by GBS during childbirth. The overall incidence in the UK is given as 'per 1000 births', meaning out of every 1000 births, a certain number of cases will be EOGBS. The incidence in term infants without risk factors is lower compared to premature infants or those born to mothers with GBS in their previous pregnancy. The risk of EOGBS is also higher if the mother has intrapartum pyrexia (a fever above 38°C) during labor. This risk can be reduced by giving intravenous antibiotics to the mother during labor.