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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Hemolytic streptococci among infants in a maternity department. Report of an outbreak

S Bygdeman, E Jacobsson, K E Myrbäck

    Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |January 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    A study found Group A hemolytic streptococci colonized 67% of newborns in maternity wards, spreading through infant care. Strict hygiene and penicillin treatment halted the outbreak, preventing further infant and family infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Microbiology
    • Epidemiology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Reports of streptococcal infections in newborns post-discharge prompted an investigation.
    • High colonization rates of hemolytic streptococci group A (67%) were identified in 100 infants across three maternity wards.
    • Infant-to-infant transmission during nursing was suspected as the primary spread mechanism.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the epidemiology of hemolytic streptococci group A in a maternity setting.
    • To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented infection control measures.
    • To highlight the significance of hygiene and surveillance in preventing neonatal infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Epidemiologic study involving bacteriologic surveillance of 100 infants in maternity wards.
    • Implementation of strict hygienic routines, isolation, and penicillin treatment for colonized infants.
    • Retrospective analysis of clinical signs of infection in infants delivered up to six weeks prior.

    Main Results:

    • Group A hemolytic streptococci colonized the umbilicus in 67% of surveyed infants.
    • Implemented interventions (hygiene, isolation, penicillin) effectively stopped the spread.
    • A retrospective study revealed 64% of earlier deliveries had signs of possible streptococcal infection, affecting families too.

    Conclusions:

    • Strict hygienic routines and continuous bacteriologic surveillance are crucial in maternity departments.
    • Prompt intervention, including isolation and antibiotic treatment, can control streptococcal outbreaks.
    • Collaboration between maternity departments and child health centers is vital for ongoing surveillance and care.

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