Recurrent group B streptococcal infections: Report of three cases

The group B streptococcus has become a leading cause of neonatal infection. Despite the increasing incidence of this infection, recurrence in the same patient is extremely uncommon. This report describes three infants with proved recurrent group B streptococcal disease. All patients were treated with benzylpenicillin for at least 10 days, but, after a symptom-free interval, each developed symptoms again. Whether the illness in these patients represents a relapse or a true reinfection is difficult to determine. Various possibilities are discussed. The development of a recurrent infection indicates that presently recommended therapy may be inadequate in certain instances. Comments about epidemiology, clinical picture, antibiotic sensitivity studies, and immunity are made along with speculations about possible approaches to treatment and prevention of this infection.