Ep 19. The commonest cause of sepsis in newborn babies and how to prevent it: Group B Streptococcus Expert Guest: Professor Le Doare

The Swab That Saved Their Baby - Talking about Group B Streptococcus, global screening programs differences and what options there are for pregnant women 

Welcome to Cocooned Health, the podcast where we discuss infections in pregnancy and newborns and beyond. Not only do we discuss the advice given, but talk about the reasons why such guidance exists. We help to answer questions the public have on these topics. Today, we are thrilled to be joined by Professor Kirsty Le Doare, a distinguished clinician-scientist specializing in paediatric infectious diseases. This episode will focus on the important vaginal swab or urine test results that is received for many before giving birth and the bug it is related to Group B Streptococcus.

Professor Le Doare joined St George’s, University of London (SGUL) in 2018, transitioning from Imperial College London, and brings a wealth of experience from her work in the UK, the Gambia, Uganda and South Africa.

Currently holding a Chair in Vaccinology and Immunology, Professor Le Doare is a Principal Scientist at Makerere University in Uganda. There, she leads groundbreaking research, including the development of maternal vaccine platforms and the surveillance of pregnancy outcomes in a large urban cohort. Her research focuses on age-related immune responses to infectious diseases in pregnant women and their babies, with a particular interest in how maternal antibodies in blood and breast milk protect newborns and how vaccination can enhance this natural defence.

Professor Le Doare’s work is shaping the future of maternal and neonatal health, with her team conducting clinical trials of investigative vaccines globally. She also holds a dual appointment with Public Health England as a Principal Scientist within the Pathogen Immunity Group at Porton Down. She is currently working as a consultant at the WHO on Group B Streptococcal vaccines.

Join us as we dive into her remarkable career, her cutting-edge research, and the global impact of her work in maternal and infant health. We will pay particular attention to one of her special interests GBS or Group B Streptococcus.