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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
[Group B streptococcal infection with 2 recurrences in a newborn]
M Lalande1, H Marchandin, L Enaud
1Service de pédiatrie III, centre hospitalier universitaire de Montpellier, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, 34295 Montpellier, France.
Unlabelled:
Group B III streptococcus (GBS) is a predominant pathogen in neonates in France. Relapse is rare and two successive relapses are exceptional: only three cases have been yet reported.
Case Report:
A newborn infant of 18 days of age presented a first episode of invasive group B III streptococcal infection with meningitis and ventriculitis. At 53 days of age, a second episode with bacteriemia and parotidis appeared. At 63 days of age, she presented a third episode with meningitis. Genome analysis of the three bacterial strains isolated during the three episodes showed the same clonal origin.
Comments:
We discuss the incidence of the treatment, the eventual presence of a penicillin-tolerant GBS, the possible relapse or recurrence of the pathogen and the role of the relative immunodeficiency in infant.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in neonates are common in France. This case report details an exceptional infant experiencing three GBS relapses, highlighting rare occurrences and potential treatment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infectious diseases
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Streptococcal infections
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal infections in France.
- Relapse of GBS infection is uncommon, with multiple successive relapses being exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A newborn presented with invasive GBS infection (meningitis, ventriculitis) at 18 days old.
- A second GBS episode (bacteremia, parotitis) occurred at 53 days, followed by a third meningitis episode at 63 days.
- Genomic analysis confirmed the same clonal origin for all three GBS strains.
Findings:
- The study documents an exceptional case of three GBS relapses in a single neonate.
- Identical clonal origin of GBS strains suggests pathogen persistence or re-emergence rather than new infection.
Implications:
- Discusses treatment efficacy and the potential for penicillin-tolerant GBS strains.
- Explores factors contributing to relapse, including pathogen recurrence and infant immunodeficiency.
- Underscores the rarity of such events and the need for further investigation into GBS persistence mechanisms.
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