Streptococcus canis Rapidly Progressive and Fatal Neonatal Sepsis in a Term Infant

Area of Science:

• Neonatal infections
• Bacterial sepsis
• Streptococcus canis epidemiology

Background:

• Streptococcus canis (S. canis), a group G Streptococcus, causes severe infections in adults.
• S. canis is infrequently reported as a cause of pediatric infections, particularly in neonates.
• Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a fatal case of S. canis neonatal sepsis.
• To review and analyze the existing literature on neonatal infections caused by group G Streptococcus, with a focus on S. canis.
• To highlight the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of S. canis neonatal sepsis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a term infant with S. canis neonatal sepsis and fatal outcome.
• Comprehensive literature review of neonatal sepsis caused by group G Streptococcus.
• Analysis of 19 reported cases of neonatal sepsis due to group G Streptococcus, including species-level identification where available.

Main Results:

• A case of rapidly fatal S. canis neonatal sepsis in a term infant is presented.
• Literature review identified 19 cases of group G Streptococcus neonatal sepsis; only 3 were identified as S. canis.
• Neonatal sepsis cases predominantly occurred within the first week of life, with 90% exhibiting bacteremia; mortality rate was 26%.

Conclusions:

• S. canis neonatal sepsis, though rare, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
• Empiric antibiotic administration, particularly beta-lactams, is critical for critically ill neonates.
• Further research is needed to understand S. canis transmission and disease burden in neonates.