Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Neonatal pleural empyema caused by emm type 6 group A streptococcus
Fumikatsu Nohara1, Ken Nagaya, Hiroko Asai
1Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan. nohara@asahikawamed.ac.jp
Summary
Severe invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease is rising. This report details a rare case of neonatal pleural empyema caused by GAS in a 3-day-old infant, highlighting its high invasive capacity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infectious diseases
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Streptococcal infections
Background:
- Invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections have increased since the mid-1980s in children and adults.
- Neonatal invasive GAS disease, especially pleural empyema, is rarely reported.
- Limited information exists on the specific mechanisms of invasive GAS infections in neonates.
Observation:
- A case of a 3-day-old female infant presented with GAS-induced pleural empyema.
- The GAS strain isolated from the infant exhibited significant invasive capabilities.
- The infection manifested as severe neonatal pleural empyema.
Findings:
- The causative GAS strain demonstrated a high capacity for invading human epithelial cells.
- This case represents a rare instance of neonatal invasive GAS disease.
- The pathophysiology of this specific neonatal presentation was investigated.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe invasive GAS disease in neonates.
- Understanding the invasive mechanisms of GAS in neonates is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into neonatal GAS infections may inform preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...