Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: A Continuing Problem in Need of Novel Prevention Strategies.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: ABC — : Active Bacterial Core surveillance EOS — : early-onset neonatal sepsis GBS — : group B streptococcus IAP — : intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) remains a feared cause of severe illness and death among infants of all birthweights and gestational ages, with particular impact among preterm infants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigators have studied the changing epidemiology of invasive EOS for several decades. The Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) network, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health departments, and universities, was established in 1995 to address emerging infectious diseases of public health importance, including infections due to major neonatal pathogens.1,2 ABCs data are remarkable because of the geographic distribution and size of the population-based network, laboratory-based identification of cases, linked epidemiologic and laboratory data, and surveillance over many years. In this issue of Pediatrics , Schrag and colleagues3 present ABCs data on the epidemiology of early-onset neonatal sepsis collected over a recent 10-year period, with special attention to group B streptococcal (GBS) and Escherichia coli infections. Invasive GBS infection among neonates, identified in the 1960s,4 emerged as the most common cause of EOS, with high risk of morbidity and mortality. National guidelines … Address correspondence to Barbara J. Stoll, MD, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, MSB G.150, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: barbara.j.stoll{at}uth.tmc.edu