Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

Definition

Group B streptococcal septicemia is a severe bacterial infection that affects newborn infants.

See also: Neonatal sepsis

Causes

Group B streptococcal septicemia is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae. This bacteria is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts.

If the bacteria travels from the mother's bloodstream through the placenta the infant can become infected. The infant may also become infected if the mother's water breaks (membranes rupture) as the infant passes through the birth canal.

The infant may also become infected after delivery.

The disease may be seen from birth to 6 days of life (generally in the first 24 hours) or in children age 7 days to 3 months. Most cases occur in babies around 1 month old.

Group B streptococcus was once responsible for about 75% of sepsis infections in infants. However, the rate of this condition has dropped since methods to screen and treat pregnant women at risk have been established.

The following increase an infant's risk for group B streptococcal septicemia:

• Mother who has a fever during labor
• Mother who has group B streptococcus in her gastrointestinal, reproductive, or urinary tracts
• Rupture of membranes ("water breaks") more than 18 hours before baby is delivered
• Prematurity
• Prior history of giving birth to a baby with this condition

References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2005.

Schrag S, Gorwitz R, Fultz-Butts K, Schuchat A. Prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal disease. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 51(RR-11): 1–22, 2002.

Schrag S. Prevention of neonatal sepsis. Clin Perinatol. Sept 2005; 32(3): 601-15.