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[Recent status of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection of newborn in Japan]
Insights
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections pose a significant threat to newborns, with increasing cases and severe outcomes. Prevention strategies are urgently needed to protect infants from GBS disease.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal bacterial infections
- Streptococcal disease epidemiology
- Public health surveillance
Context:
- Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections are a primary cause of neonatal bacterial illness.
- A significant mortality and morbidity rate is associated with GBS infections in neonates and young infants.
- A 5-year study in Japan investigated GBS infection trends, risk factors, and prognosis.
Purpose:
- To analyze the epidemiological trends of GBS infections in neonates over five years.
- To identify key risk factors associated with early-onset and late-onset GBS disease.
- To determine the mortality and sequelae rates for neonatal GBS infections.
Summary:
- The number of GBS infections in neonates has shown a year-over-year increase.
- Identified risk factors include amniotic turbidity, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, and maternal fever during labor.
- Overall mortality and sequelae were 24.2%, with higher rates in late-onset cases (39.1%) compared to early-onset (20.8%).
Impact:
- Findings highlight the critical need for developing and implementing effective prevention strategies for neonatal GBS infections.
- The study provides crucial data for public health initiatives aimed at reducing GBS-related infant mortality and long-term health issues.
- Understanding risk factors can guide targeted interventions and improve clinical management of GBS-exposed newborns.
Abstract:
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infections in neonates have been a leading cause of bacterial infections. In many cases the infected neonates and young infants died or sequelae remained. The trend of cases, risk factors and prognosis of this disease have been the subjects of questionnaires for the past 5 years in Japan. The number of cases has increased year by year. Risk factors including amniotic turbidity, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membrane and fever during labor were recognized in 58% of early onset (less than 7 days of age) and in 28% of late onset (7 days and more of age) infant disease. Cases of death and remaining sequelae were 63(20.8%) of 303 early onset, 27(39.1%) of 69 late onset and 90(24.2%) out of a total of 372 cases. These results suggested that strategies for the prevention of GBS infections in the newborn are necessary.