Acute necrotising fasciitis due to streptococcal infection in a newborn infant

A 3-day-old baby girl developed septicaemia, meningitis, and necrotising fasciitis due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus, type M52, which was also cultured from the mother's cervix. Necrotising fasciitis is a severe infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with infarction, necrosis, and sloughing of the affected areas. Early recognition of this condition is essential so that appropriate treatment can be given.