A Clinical Study of Group B Streptococcal Infection: Five Years Experience

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical characteristics associated with group B streptococcal (GBS) infection in infants less than 3 months. METHOD: Medical records of patients (< = or90 days of age) who were confirmed to have GBS infection were reviewed during five year study period. Data for onset of age, clinical manifestations, risk factors, clinical course, antibiotics used, results of sensitivity of antibiograms and complications were collected. RESULTS: The episodes of GBS infection were found in 38 patients. The incidence of early-onset disease was 15.7% and male to female ratio was 1.2 1. The associated obstetric factors included prematurity, twin, meconium staining and abortion. Fever, poor oral intake, lethargy, irritability, seizure and respiratory distress were common clinical presentations for diagnosis of sepsis and meningitis. GBS was isolated from 25 among 28 cases of cerebrospinal fluids and its sensitivity to penicillin and 3rd generation cephalosporins were 56% and 60%, respectively. The initial antibiotics used included ampicillin and gentamicin in 12 cases, 3rd generation cephalosporins and gentamicin in 11 cases. Subdural effusion and hygroma, hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, infarction, leukoencephalomalacia and basal ganglia hemorrhage were complications of meningitis caused by GBS. CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis and appropriate choice of antibiotics in treatment of patients with GBS infection is very important in respect to increased incidences of resistance to penicillins and to decrease mortalities and morbidites associated with GBS infection.