Pulmonary changes in neonatal sepsis to group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus: relation of hyaline membrane disease

Abstract

The radiographic changes of hyaline membrane disease were seen in seven of eight infants with group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis. Hyaline membranes were found throughout the lungs of all six infants who were examined after death. The most striking finding was the presence of group B streptococci within the membranes of five infants. Streptococci were so numerous in one instance that they comprised the bulk of the membrane. Another infant uas thought to have classical hyaline membrane disease until numerous group B streptococci were found within the membranes when lung sections were examined with special stains. No other organisms were identified within the membranes of any infant. These findings suggest that infection with group B streptococcus may cause a syndrome clinically and radiologically indistinguishable from hyaline membrane disease.