[Early neonatal manifestations of group B Streptococcus infection: case series and preventive strategy]

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is, so far, one of the most important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In order to elucidate the extent of this problem a screening for GBS has been performed on a group of pregnant women and their neonates. Maternal vaginal and rectal swabs were obtained on admission to the labor area. In these infants throat swabs at birth and throat and rectal swabs on day 4th and 6th were obtained. In the 14,248 pairs mother/infant examined, the rate of colonization was, respectively, 9 (7%) and 4 (1%). 6 among 569 colonized newborn show evidence of the early onset type infection (respiratory form: 2 cases; meningitic form: 4 cases). Fatal outcome and severe neurologic impairment were observed respectively in 3 and 1 patient. Risk factors (prematurity) were present only in two patients. In all cases clinic evidence was observed before that laboratory findings were disposable. The Authors remark the importance of the bacteriological screening in pregnancy, and of antibiotic therapy intrapartum in women with risk factors and in colonized newborn in the first hour of life when acute phase reactants are positive.