Related Experiment Videos
[B streptococcal infections in the neonatal period and infancy]
D Hückel1, W Handrick, F B Spencker
1Klinik für Kindermedizin, Karl-Marx-Universität Leipzig.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus infections in newborns and infants are a serious concern, with cases rising significantly between 1975 and 1985. These infections, primarily septicemia and meningitis, led to a high mortality rate in the studied population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Streptococcal infections
Context:
- A retrospective study was conducted at the Pediatric Hospital of Karl Marx University in Leipzig.
- Data were collected from January 1975 to March 1985.
- The study focused on 37 newborns and infants diagnosed with Group B Streptococcus infections.
Purpose:
- To analyze the incidence and clinical features of Group B Streptococcus infections in newborns and infants.
- To assess the mortality rate associated with these infections.
- To investigate the potential source of infection, particularly connatal transmission.
Summary:
- The incidence of Group B Streptococcus infections among neonatal bacterial infections increased from 6.9% to 15.7% during the study period.
- Of the 37 infants, 23 had early-onset and 14 had late-onset infections.
- The most common clinical presentations were septicemia and meningitis, with a mortality rate of 12 out of 37 infants.
Impact:
- Highlights the rising threat of Group B Streptococcus in neonatal populations.
- Emphasizes the critical need for early diagnosis and intervention for septicemia and meningitis.
- Suggests a high prevalence of connatal (in-utero) transmission, informing prenatal and perinatal care strategies.
Abstract:
From January 1975 to March 1985 37 newborns and infants with B streptococcal infections were treated in the Pediatric Hospital of the Karl Marx University in Leipzig. The percentage of B streptococcal infections of all neonatal bacterial infections rose in this time from 6.9% to 15.7%. There were 23 early onset type infections and 14 late infections; 12 of the 37 infants died. Septicemia and meningitis were the most important clinical features. The time of beginning of the clinical symptoms in the postnatal period and the results of serotyping suggest a connatal infection in most cases.