Fatal group G streptococcal sepsis in a neonate

A full-term infant became ill at 16--24 h of age following an uncomplicated pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The clinical course (absence of prenatal warning, rapidly progressive respiratory distress, apnea, shock, and coagulopathy) terminated fatally and resembled that seen in neonatal 'early onset' group B streptococcal sepsis. Previous cases of neonatal group G streptococcal disease are briefly reviewed.