Related Experiment Videos
Group B streptococcus infections in neonates admitted to a German NICU: Emphasis on screening and adherence to
Claudia Reinheimer1, Volkhard A J Kempf1, Boris E Wittekindt2
1Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in newborns remain a challenge. Perinatal screening is crucial for preventing GBS transmission and reducing severe neonatal outcomes, despite current prophylaxis measures.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Streptococcal infections
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes severe infections in newborns, including early-onset disease (EOD) and late-onset disease (LOD).
- Despite screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, vertical GBS transmission poses a significant pediatric challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively investigate epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical aspects of GBS infections in infants.
- To assess the impact of GBS screening and management strategies in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of infants admitted to the University Hospital Frankfurt between 2010 and 2016.
- Inclusion criteria: infants positive for GBS within the first three months of life.
- Severity assessment using NEOMOD and CRIB scores.
Main Results:
- 108 GBS-infected infants were analyzed; 93.5% presented with EOD.
- Maternal GBS status was unknown in 78% of cases prior to infant hospitalization.
- A mortality rate of 2.8% was observed due to GBS septicemia.
Conclusions:
- Preventing GBS transmission during the perinatal period is paramount for reducing neonatal infections.
- The study underscores the significant impact and importance of effective perinatal GBS screening programs.
Background:
Infections by group B streptococci (GBS), e.g. Streptococcus agalactiae, presenting as early-onset disease (EOD) or late-onset disease (LOD), are leading causes of severe infections in newborn and premature patients. Although screening and intra partum antibiotic prophylaxis are frequently performed, vertically transmitted GBS remain a challenge for pediatrics.
Aims:
In order to prevent or reduce potential life-threatening events, this study retrospectively investigated epidemiological, microbiological and clinical aspects of infants admitted to the Division of Neonatology at the Department of Pediatrics at the University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany (UHF).
Study Design And Subjects:
Between January 2010 and January 2016, perinatal GBS screening status, clinical presentation of EOD or LOD and therapeutic management of neonates admitted to UHF were retrospective analysed. Infants tested positive for GBS within their first three months of life were included; patient data were obtained from the chart report. Severity of neonatal disease was analysed by using the NEOMOD and CRIB score.
Results:
108 GBS infected infants born to 105 mothers were observed. N=101 of them (93.5%) presented with EOD, whereof n=9 (10%) primarily presented with pneumonia or pneumothorax. In 82 (78%) mothers of infected infants GBS status was unknown prior to hospitalization of the neonate. 3/108 (2.8%) infants died from GBS septicemia.
Conclusion:
Avoidance of GBS transmission sub partu is the key issue in preventing neonatal GBS infection and should be the focus of preventive strategies. Our results highlight the impact of perinatal screening.