Facial cellulitis: an early indicator of group B streptococcal bacteremia

Abstract

Epithelial manifestations as indicators of group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteremia have been infrequently reported in the literature. This report describes three infants, ranging in age from 2 1/2 weeks to 7 weeks, who were seen with facial cellulitis as the only sign of GBS bacteremia. Only one of these infants had fever on presentation; otherwise, there were no signs of systemic illness. "Spontaneous cellulitis" should be viewed as an indicator of underlying bacteremia; in an infant less than 3 months of age, GBS should be considered a prime etiologic agent.