A Study of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Infection

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the incidence of bacterial infection in neonates due to group B streptococcus(GBS) in our hospital. Methods The specimens were collected from 141 neonatal infants with infectious symptoms and maternal risk factors. 93 blood and 6 CSF samples were performed bacterial culture.141 blood sera, 65 urine and 6 CSF samples were tested for GBS antigen by countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis(CIE). Results In 141 neonatal infants, 27 cases were found GBS polysaccharide antigen positive(19.1%). Blood and CSF culture were positive only in 1 case. In 27 cases , there were 2 cases with meningitis, 6 cases with sepsis, 12 cases with infectious pneumonia , 2 cases with omphalitis, and 5 cases were only premature babies .There were 20 cases of early onset disease and 7 cases of late onset disease. There was one case that the same serotype(III/R) and DNA genes of GBS were found in the blood and CSF cultures of baby and his mother's vaginal swab culture . The antibacterial activity was found in the urine specimens of 32/34 cases in the first day on admission by micrococcus inhibition test, only 2 cases were negative. All patients were treated with Penicillin and Ampicillin. Conclusions (1)GBS is one of the pathogens in neonatal infection.(2)CIE method for identification of GBS polysaccharide antigen is sensitive and specific.(3)Penicillin was the first choice for neonatal GBS infection.