[Infections in newborn infants caused to B-streptococci]

An increased morbidity by Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci) during the perinatal period was to be found in some countries since 1961. Six cases of group B streptococcal meningitis were confirmed by the Central Streptococcus Laboratory of the GDR from July to December 1975. Therefore it is necessary to look for group B streptococcal infection in certain cases of diseases of the newborn. In a short review of literature the clinical signs (acute onset with respiratory distress, sepsis or late onset with meningitis), prevalence, source of infection and therapy (ampicillin or a combination of penicillin G and gentamicin) were summarized. The diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of group B streptococci.