Trend of neonatal group B streptococcal infection during the last 15 years

Kiyoshi Hoshina1, Yoko Suzuki, Hiroshi Nishida

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Teishin Hospital, Japan. khoshina@tpth.go.jp

Insights

The increasing trend of group B streptococcal (GBS) infections has stabilized. Continued screening of pregnant women is recommended to further reduce GBS disease onset.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections pose a significant threat to neonates.
  • Understanding GBS trends is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the 15-year trend of GBS infections.
  • To update current knowledge on GBS disease epidemiology and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A 15-year questionnaire survey (1983-1997) of hospitals with neonatal intensive care units.
  • Analysis of 831 patients, examining GBS trends, serotypes, onset, and prognosis.

Main Results:

  • The rise in GBS cases plateaued between 1993-1997.
  • Type III GBS was the predominant serotype for both early and late-onset cases.
  • Approximately 40% of early-onset GBS cases lacked identifiable risk factors.
  • Mortality or sequelae occurred in 22.6% of early-onset and 38.7% of late-onset cases.

Conclusions:

  • While GBS infection rates have stabilized, proactive screening of pregnant women remains essential.
  • Implementing screening protocols can further mitigate the incidence and impact of GBS disease.
Abstract

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