Introduction - Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common bacterium responsible for serious infections in newborns. We present incidence data on neonatal GBS infections (NIs) in France from 1997 to 2006 and the results of a 2005 survey on prevention practices in maternity wards, following recommendations from the National Agency for Accreditation and Evaluation in Health (Anaes). Methods - Incidence data on SGB-related NIs are derived from Epibac, a network of hospital laboratories participating in the surveillance of invasive bacterial infections. The survey of maternity ward practices was conducted by telephone among a sample of 53 maternity wards, stratified by status, activity level, and region of location. Results - The incidence of early NI in SGB has decreased in France, falling from an estimated 0.69 per 1,000 live births in 1997 to 0.47 in 2002, and 0.23 in 2006 (0.28: incidence adjusted for completeness), while that of late neonatal infections remained stable (as did that of overall infections). The maternity ward survey showed that nearly all maternity wards had a prevention protocol, involving systematic screening for vaginal carriage in late pregnancy with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for GBS carriers (92%), with systematic implementation in 87% of maternity wards. Conclusion - These results support a positive impact of implementing recommendations for the prevention of early-onset neonatal infections caused by GBS. However, vigilance is required regarding the possible emergence of bacteria resistant to the antibiotics used, or a change in the ecology of the bacteria causing neonatal infections. (R.A.)