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Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Group B Streptococcus Disease among Infants, China
Insights
Invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections cause significant infant illness and death in China. This study highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive strategies, like maternal vaccination, to reduce GBS burden.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major global cause of infant morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding GBS epidemiology in China is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of invasive GBS disease in infants younger than 3 months in China.
- To estimate the annual burden of GBS and associated deaths in young infants in China.
Main Methods:
- Prospective and retrospective laboratory-based surveillance of GBS-positive cultures from infants <3 months.
- Data collected from 18 hospitals across China between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017.
- Analysis of GBS serotypes and clonal complexes.
Main Results:
- Overall GBS incidence was 0.31 cases/1,000 live births, with significant hospital-level variation.
- The case-fatality rate was 2.3%.
- Estimated 13,604 GBS cases and 1,142 GBS-associated deaths annually in infants <90 days in China.
- Serotype III (61.5%) and clonal complex 17 (40.6%) were predominant.
Conclusions:
- Invasive GBS poses a substantial threat to young infants in China.
- Enhanced active surveillance and preventive measures, including maternal GBS vaccination, require further investigation.
Abstract:
Invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of illness and death among infants globally. We conducted prospective and retrospective laboratory-based surveillance of GBS-positive cultures from infants <3 months of age in 18 hospitals across China during January 1, 2015-December 31, 2017. The overall incidence of GBS was 0.31 (95% CI 0.27-0.36) cases/1,000 live births; incidence was 0-0.76 cases/1,000 live births across participating hospitals. The case-fatality rate was 2.3%. We estimated 13,604 cases of GBS and 1,142 GBS-associated deaths in infants <90 days of age annually in China. GBS isolates were most commonly serotype III (61.5%) and clonal complex 17 (40.6%). Enhanced active surveillance and implementation of preventive strategies, such as maternal GBS vaccination, warrants further investigation in China to help prevent these infections.
