Recurrent late-onset group B streptococcus sepsis in a neonate from breast milk

Abstract

Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a cause of considerable neonatal morbidity and mortality. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for mothers colonized with GBS has markedly reduced the rates of early-onset neonatal GBS bacteremia. Recurrent late-onset GBS bacteremia is a rare occurrence. Mucosal colonization and breast milk contamination have been implicated as causes of the recurrence. We report a case of recurrent late-onset neonatal GBS bacteremia from the United Arab Emirates, in a term baby whose mother was GBS negative on antenatal screens, with breast milk culture positivity for GBS. To our knowledge, this is the first report from the Middle East region.