Fatal Streptococcus viridans septicemia and meningitis: relationship to fetal scalp electrode monitoring

Abstract

Viridans streptococci have been reported as an increasingly frequent pathogen in neonatal sepsis. These infections have appeared to be less virulent than those associated with other bacteria. The case of an infant is reported who developed a scalp abscess secondary to an internal fetal monitoring electrode caused by viridans streptococci. This infection evolved into a rapidly fatal septicemia and meningitis. Viridans streptococci may be responsible for virulent fatal infections in neonates.