Abstract
A longitudinal prospective study of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection was begun in July 1977. Neonatal colonization rates, carrier sites, and disease incidence was determined for 1,066 of 1,080 infants (99%) born during a six month period in an urban community hospital within the UAB medical center. Selective media were employed. Multiple site cultures of infants were taken shortly after delivery, prior to bath and cord care. GBS were cultured from 14% of infants. Positive sites in order of frequency were: ear (75%), throat (48%), anus (44%) and umbilicus (28%). Throat and anal cultures done at discharge revealed 15% of 805 infants to be colonized; the anus was more often positive (88%) than the throat (55%). A total of 21% of infants cultured were positive for GBS at some time during their nursery stay. Correlation of colonization between mother at delivery and infants was 87%. Seven infants developed clinical illness, suggesting a rather high disease rate. Infecting serotypes were Ia (2), Ic (1), II (2), and III (2). Four infants died; all were premature, had respiratory distress, and had rather rapidly progressive signs of sepsis with shock. Prior knowledge of maternal carriage of GBS coupled with evidence of early distress in low birth weight infants might enhance early recognition of GBS disease.
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Pass, M., Gray, B., Khare, S. et al. 374 PROSPECTIVE STUDIES OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 426 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00379
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00379