Clinical characteristics, outcomes and molecular epidemiology of group B streptococcal disease in young infants in

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Marleen A Groenveld1, Douwe H Visser2, Matthijs C Brouwer1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The Journal of Infection
|July 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease causes significant infant illness and death. Maternal GBS vaccination is supported by low intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis adherence, indicating a need for improved prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal infectious diseases
  • Bacterial pathogenesis
  • Vaccine development

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of serious illness and mortality in neonates.
  • Effective prevention strategies are crucial to reduce the burden of GBS disease in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess clinical outcomes, molecular epidemiology, and vaccine candidate coverage for GBS disease in infants.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current prevention methods and explore the potential of maternal vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, multi-center cohort study involving infants aged 0-89 days with culture-confirmed GBS sepsis or meningitis.
  • Collection of clinical data, including GBS serotype, and analysis of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) adherence.

Main Results:

  • 375 infants were included; 55% had sepsis, 21% meningitis. Complications affected 59% of infants, with a 5% mortality rate.
  • Serotype III was the most prevalent (57%), associated with meningitis and late-onset disease. IAP adherence was only 40%.
  • Potential maternal vaccine coverage was high: 96% for GBS6 and 99% for GBS-AlpN.

Conclusions:

  • GBS disease continues to pose a significant threat to infant health, characterized by high morbidity and mortality.
  • Low adherence to IAP underscores critical prevention gaps, reinforcing the need for maternal GBS vaccination.
  • Maternal vaccines show high potential coverage, offering a promising avenue for GBS disease prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anti-bacterial agentsImmunisationInfantMaternalMeningitisNewbornSepsisStreptococcus agalactiae

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...