Late-onset Group B Streptococcus Disease Research Articles

Burden of Invasive Group B Streptococcus Infection Among Omani Infants Less Than 90 Days Old: A Multicenter Study.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aims to investigate the incidence of invasive GBS disease among infants less than 90 days old in Oman and to describe their risk factors, clinical presentations and clinical outcomes. We retrospectively collected the data of less than 90-day-old Omani infants with culture-positive GBS from sterile samples. This study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in Oman from 2009 to 2018. Over 10 years, we identified 92 cases of culture-confirmed invasive GBS infection from 178,285 live births in the 3 hospitals, giving an overall incidence of 0.53 per 1000 live births [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4-0.7)]. Of those, 59 (64.1%) had early-onset neonatal GBS disease and 33 (35.9%) had late-onset neonatal GBS disease. The incidence of invasive GBS disease was significantly higher in the last 5 years from 2014 to 2018 (0.69 per 1000 live births, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9) compared to the previous years from 2009 to 2013 (0.36 per 1000 live births, 95% CI: 0.2‒0.5), (P = 0.004). Infants with late-onset neonatal GBS disease had a higher risk of meningitis compared to infants with early-onset neonatal GBS disease (30.3% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.021). The mortality rate was 13.5%. The incidence of invasive GBS disease in Oman is similar to what was reported worldwide, however, the burden of the disease in terms of mortality is high. In addition, a significant increase in the annual incidence of invasive GBS disease in Omani infants was found over the study period.

Group B Streptococcus and Perinatality in the South of Tunisia: Epidemiology, Serotype Distribution, and Antibiotic Susceptibility

IntroductionIn the lack of updated Tunisian epidemiological data, we sought to describe the epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women and newborns.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of GBS neonatal invasive infections and a cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence of maternal GBS colonization were conducted. GBS isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, serotyped, and assessed for the appurtenance to the hypervirulent ST17 clone.ResultsOf 98 neonates with GBS, early-onset GBS disease (EOD) comprised 83.7 and 16.3% were late-onset GBS disease (LOD). The prevalence of maternal GBS colonization was 27%. All GBS isolates were susceptible to penicillin. Serotype III predominated (42.6%) for neonatal invasive infections. GBS isolates belonging to the ST17 sequence type were found only as serotype III.ConclusionThis study documents the frequency of GBS EOD, the high rate of maternal GBS colonization, and the predominance of the hypervirulent clone type III/ST17 in infants.

Group B Streptococcus Drives Major Transcriptomic Changes in the Colonic Epithelium.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of infant sepsis worldwide. Colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is a critical precursor to late-onset disease in exposed newborns. Neonatal susceptibility to GBS intestinal translocation stems from intestinal immaturity; however, the mechanisms by which GBS exploits the immature host remain unclear. β-hemolysin/cytolysin (βH/C) is a highly conserved toxin produced by GBS capable of disrupting epithelial barriers. However, its role in the pathogenesis of late-onset GBS disease is unknown. Our aim was to determine the contribution of βH/C to intestinal colonization and translocation to extraintestinal tissues. Using our established mouse model of late-onset GBS disease, we exposed animals to GBS COH-1 (WT), a βH/C-deficient mutant (KO), or vehicle control (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) via gavage. Blood, spleen, brain, and intestines were harvested 4 days post-exposure for determination of bacterial burden and isolation of intestinal epithelial cells. RNA sequencing was used to examine the transcriptomes of host cells followed by gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. A separate cohort of animals was followed longitudinally to compare colonization kinetics and mortality between WT and KO groups. We demonstrate that dissemination to extraintestinal tissues occurred only in the WT exposed animals. We observed major transcriptomic changes in the colons of colonized animals, but not in the small intestines. We noted differential expression of genes that indicated the role of βH/C in altering epithelial barrier structure and immune response signaling. Overall, our results demonstrate an important role of βH/C in the pathogenesis of late-onset GBS disease.

Recent research on the epidemiology and preventive strategies of neonatal group B Streptococcus infection in the latest decade

Currently, the main strategy for preventing neonatal group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is prenatal screening combined with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, which has effectively reduced the incidence of neonatal GBS early-onset disease. However, the burden of GBS infection is still significant. The intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis strategy has limitations such as inducing antibiotic resistance and inability to effectively prevent GBS late-onset disease. It is crucial to develop and evaluate other prevention strategies, while paying close attention to assessing penicillin allergy in pregnant women and how to prevent GBS infection in neonates with negative maternal GBS screening. In recent years, there has been some progress in GBS vaccines and related immunological research, and the use of specific vaccines is expected to significantly reduce GBS infection in neonates.

Not Just an Intrapartum Problem: Late-Onset Group B Streptococcus Disease.

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. While prevention strategies for early onset GBS disease are well established, methods to prevent late-onset GBS disease do not eliminate disease burden, leaving potential for infection, and devastating consequences for affected neonates. Furthermore, the incidence of late-onset GBS has risen in recent years, with preterm infants at the highest risk of infection and death. Meningitis remains the most common and serious complication associated with late onset disease, occurring in 30 percent of cases. The assessment of risk for neonatal GBS infection should not be limited to the birth process or maternal screening results and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis treatment status. Horizontal transmission after birth from mothers, caregivers, and community sources has been observed. Late-onset GBS disease and its sequelae remain a significant risk to neonates, and clinicians should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms to provide timely antibiotic therapy. This article discusses of the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and treatment of neonatal late-onset GBS infection and identifies implications for practicing clinicians.

Late-onset Group B Streptococcus Bacteremia Evaluated in the Pediatric Emergency Department and Risk Factors for Severe Infection.

To describe the infants presenting to pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and diagnosed with group B Streptococcus (GBS) late-onset disease (LOD) bacteremia and identify risk factors for severe infection and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. Observational study and subanalysis of a multicenter prospective registry. Setting: pediatric emergency department. Inclusion criteria: infants between 7 and 89 days of age with positive blood culture for GBS seen between 2011 and 2016 at any of 22 Spanish PEDs. Main outcome: risk factors (clinical and laboratory variables) for severe infection (sepsis/septic shock or meningitis) and PICU admission. Second, the prevalence of poor outcomes (acute complications, sequelae or death). Among 118 patients with LOD, 74 (62.7%) presented a severe infection: 66 sepsis/septic shock (11 with associated meningitis) and 8 meningitis. Thirty-five patients (29.7%) were admitted to a PICU. An altered Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) upon arrival and leukopenia were the only independent risk factors for severe infection [odds ratio (OR): 43.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.1-235.7, P < 0.01] and PICU admission (OR: 11.6; 95% CI: 1.5-91.4; P < 0.019), respectively. Six patients (5.1%) developed a poor outcome, including 2 deaths (1.7%); all had an altered PAT, elevated procalcitonin (range 4.7-100 ng/ml), and were diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock and admitted to a PICU. Four developed leukopenia. Infants with GBS LOD frequently develop sepsis/septic shock and bacterial meningitis, associated with non-negligible morbidity and mortality. Clinical appearance was the only risk factor for severe infection, whereas leukopenia was related to PICU admission.

Breastfeeding and Risk of Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major contributor to neonatal sepsis worldwide. Late-onset group B Streptococcus disease (LOGBS) and its risk factors remain poorly understood. The isolation of GBS from breast milk has been described in cases of LOGBS. This potential association has raised concerns for mothers and clinicians regarding the safety of ongoing breastfeeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether exposure to breast milk is associated with increased risk of LOGBS. A case-control study of LOGBS was conducted across 4 hospital networks in Victoria, Australia, including the 2 major tertiary pediatric centers in the state, to evaluate 11 years of data (2007-2017). Cases were captured initially from microbiology databases and recaptured with International Classification of Diseases discharge coding. Each case patient was matched with 4 controls to assess feeding status. Patients were matched for chronological age, gestation, discharge status, recruitment site, and calendar year. We identified 92 cases of LOGBS: 73 cases on initial capture and 76 cases on the recapture analysis. Case patients were matched with 368 controls: 4 controls to each patient. Seventy-two patients were exposed to breast milk at the time of LOGBS (78.3%), compared with 274 controls (74.5%; odds ratio 1.2 [95% confidence interval 0.7-2.3]). Breastfeeding was not associated with increased risk of LOGBS. Breast milk should not be tested for GBS during a first episode of LOGBS.

Updated Guidance: Prevention and Management of Perinatal Group B Streptococcus Infection.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the most common cause of neonatal early-onset sepsis among term infants and a major cause of late-onset sepsis among both term and preterm infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published separate but aligned guidelines in 2019 and 2020 for the prevention and management of perinatal GBS disease. Together, these replace prior consensus guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maternal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis based on antenatal screening for GBS colonization remains the primary recommended approach to prevent perinatal GBS disease, though the optimal window for screening is changed to 36 0/7 to 37 6/7 weeks of gestation rather than beginning at 35 0/7 weeks' gestation. Penicillin, ampicillin, or cefazolin are recommended for prophylaxis, with clindamycin and vancomycin reserved for cases of significant maternal penicillin allergy. Pregnant women with a history of penicillin allergy are now recommended to undergo skin testing, because confirmation of or delabeling from a penicillin allergy can provide both short- and long-term health benefits. Aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for evaluating newborns for all causes of early-onset sepsis, separate consideration should be given to infants born at less than 35 weeks' and more than or equal to 35 weeks' gestation when performing GBS risk assessment. Empiric antibiotics are recommended for infants at high risk for GBS early-onset disease. Although intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in preventing GBS early-onset disease, currently there is no approach for the prevention of GBS late-onset disease.

Disease burden due to Group B Streptococcus in the Indian population and the need for a vaccine - a narrative review.

Streptococcus agalactiae, a Gram-positive bacterium, causes invasive infection known as Group B streptococcal disease (GBS). It is a leading cause of neonatal death and complications prior to delivery. The burden of GBS is unknown in India despite the high incidence of preterm and stillbirths. In this study, we performed a narrative review of the available literature (published in the last 10 years) on the epidemiology of GBS, using PubMed and Google Scholar, to understand its impact in India and evaluate potential strategies to prevent the disease in the high-risk population, that is, neonates. The review showed that the incidence of early- and late-onset GBS in neonates (per 1000 live births) was in the ranges of 0.090–0.68 and 0.0–0.07 respectively. The overall case fatality rate reported in only one study was 0.63. In pregnant women, the prevalence of GBS colonization was 2–62% and its transmission to their newborns varied from 6.7% to 11.1%. The serotype distribution of GBS is unclear, but some studies reported the distribution of types Ia, Ib, II, III, V, VII among pregnant women in India. The associated risk factors for GBS colonization in pregnant women are unclear but a few studies suggest the role of age and multigravida, while the risk factors in neonates include preterm birth, prolonged rupture of membrane (⩾18 h), maternal fever, obstetric complications, and prolonged labor >18 h. Screening of GBS is not a routine practice in India and intrapartum antibiotics prophylaxis is limited to only in risk conditions to prevent neonatal disease transmission. A few studies also suggest that high birth rate, poor detection methods, and financial constraints limit routine GBS screening in a developing country such as India. Hence, maternal vaccination is the most promising strategy to prevent neonatal GBS and Pfizer’s hexavalent GBS conjugate vaccine (GBS6) is being developed for GBS neonatal disease.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and serotype distribution of Streptococcus agalactiae rectovaginal colonising isolates from pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria, South Africa: An observational descriptive study.

Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal sepsis. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women identified to be rectovaginally colonised between 34 and 37 weeks' gestational age to decrease the risk of invasive disease in their newborns. An effective multivalent GBS vaccine may prevent a broader scope of GBS-associated diseases, such as GBS early-onset disease, GBS late-onset disease, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and maternal bacteraemia. Serotype distribution of GBS isolates is essential to determine the efficacy of such a vaccine. To investigate serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GBS isolates cultured from rectovaginal specimens during pregnancy. Sixty-nine archived maternal colonising isolates were tested against penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, vancomycin and levofloxacin. Minimum inhibitory concentration testing was performed using the ETEST method. Serotyping was performed by the latex agglutination method. The most common serotypes detected were Ia (54%), III (20%), V (16%), II (6%), IV (2%) and Ib (1%). All isolates were fully susceptible to penicillin, vancomycin and levofloxacin. Eight (11%) and 50 (56%) isolates showed intermediate resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively, and 1 isolate was resistant to erythromycin. The macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) phenomenon was noted in 3 (4%) of the isolates. GBS-colonising isolates remain susceptible to penicillin, which remains the drug of choice for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and treatment of invasive disease in newborns. Macrolides should only be used if clinically indicated due to the high prevalence of intermediate resistance. A pentavalent GBS vaccine currently in phase I trials should provide coverage for 97% of the isolates identified in this study.

Late onset group B streptococcus disease manifesting as acute suppurative parotitis

Few patients with acute suppurative parotitis (ASP) due to group B streptococcus (GBS) have been documented. Limited data on clinical and microbiological features and infectious route are available. We present a 21-day-old boy with invasive GBS disease manifesting as ASP. The patient was admitted because of irritability, fever, and erythematous swelling over the right parotid area. No purulent material exuded from the Stensen's duct. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the neck showed findings indicative of ASP. On the day after admission, blood culture yielded GBS. The isolate was determined as GBS serotype Ia and sequence type-23, and the patient was successfully treated with intravenous ampicillin for 10 days. A review of the literature revealed 11 GBS ASP infants including ours with age at onset between 13 days and 12 weeks. All infants had bacteremia while pus from the Stensen's duct was detected in only one case. This finding remarkably contrasts with ASP caused by pathogens other than GBS, where the infection usually spreads via a retrograde route from Stensen's duct. The present case and literature review indicate GBS ASP primarily arises from bloodstream infection, and that ASP should be included in an infectious focus as late onset GBS disease.

Clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility features of different types of invasive infections caused by group B Streptococcus: a multicenter prospective study

Objective To study the clinical manifestations and antibiotic sensitivity features of early- and late-onset invasive infections caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS). Methods A total of 96 infants with invasive GBS infections were enrolled prospectively from seven tertiary hospitals of GBS Infection Research Cooperative Group in southwest Fujian, such as Xiamen Maternal and Child Care Hospital, etc., from January 2016 to June 2018. According to the onset time of infection after birth, they were divided into early-onset GBS disease (GBS-EOD) group (<7 d, n=67) and the late-onset GBS disease (GBS-LOD) group (7-89 d, n=29). Clinical manifestations, disease spectrum, complications and outcomes of the two groups were compared. Drug sensitivity test was carried out using disk diffusion test. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, two independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Results (1) The average ages at onset in GBS-EOD and GBS-LOD groups were (15.8±6.7) h (0.5-142.0 h) and (25.0±8.1) d (9-89 d), respectively. The incidence of tachypnea, pallor, fever and convulsion were noted in 68.7% (46/67) vs 44.8% (13/29), 52.2% (35/67) vs 17.2% (5/29), 23.9% (16/67) vs 65.5% (19/29) and 7.5% (5/67) vs 48.3% (14/29) of GBS-EOD and GBS-LOD groups with χ2 values of 6.282, 10.199, 15.146 and 21.237 (all P<0.05). The main clinical manifestations of GBS-EOD were tachypnea and pallor, while most of the patients in the GBS-LOD group developed fever and convulsions. (2) The incidence of pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, sepsis complicated by septic joints, pneumonia complicated by sepsis, sepsis complicated by meningitis and pneumonia complicated by sepsis and meningitis were noted in 43.3% (29/67) vs 20.7% (6/29), 9.0% (6/67) vs 17.2% (5/29), 0.0% (0/67) vs 3.4% (1/29), 0.0% (0/67) vs 6.9% (2/29), 31.3% (21/67) vs 13.8% (4/29), 6.0% (4/67) vs 31.0% (9/29) and 10.4% (7/67) vs 6.9% (2/29) of GBS-EOD and GBS-LOD groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the disease spectrum between the two groups (Fisher's exact test, all P<0.001). Compared with the GBS-LOD group, the GBS-EOD group had a higher incidence of pneumonia [85.1% (57/67) vs 41.4% (12/29), χ2=19.116, P<0.001] and a lower incidence of meningitis [16.4% (11/67) vs 41.4% (12/29), χ2=6.922, P=0.009]. Complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary hemorrhage, shock and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) occurred much more in the GBS-EOD group than the GBS-LOD group [28.4% (19/67) vs 6.9% (2/29), 13.4% (9/67) vs 0.0% (0/29), 11.9% (8/67) vs 10.3% (3/29), 4.5% (3/67) vs 0.0% (0/29), χ2=13.683, P<0.001]. (3) Among the 96 patients, 23 (24.0%) had meningitis and 73 (76.0%) developed pneumonia and sepsis. Meningitis resulted in a higher fatality rate [17.4% (4/23) vs 4.1% (3/73), χ2=4.564, P=0.035] and longer average hospital stay [(37.2±12.6) vs (14.1±5.3) d, t=7.831, P<0.001] than pneumonia and sepsis. Seven out of the 19 meningitis survivors developed intracranial complications. (4) The overall fatality rate in this study was 7.3% (7/96) and no significant difference was found between GBS-EOD and GBS-LOD group [7.5% (5/67) vs 6.9% (2/29), χ2=0.010, P=0.982]. Among the 67 GBS-EOD infants, 58 (86.6%) occurred within 24 h and five of them died, but no death was reported in the other nine cases occurred after 24 h. (5) Totally 96 strains of GBS were isolated with 100% sensitivity to penicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin and meropenem, and 97% to vancomycin. Around 79.3%-91.0% of GBS isolates were resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin. Conclusions Clinial features vary greatly in GBS-LOD and GBS-EOD cases. Infants with meningitis have poor prognosis. The drug resistance rate of GBS to erythromycin and clindamycin are relatively high. Key words: Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcal infections; Drug resistance, bacterial; Microbial sensitivity tests; Multicenter study

Burden and risk factors of invasive group B Streptococcus disease among neonates in a Chinese maternity hospital

BackgroundThere is a lack of data regarding the prevalence of invasive group B streptococcus (GBS) infection among neonates in China. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality of invasive GBS infection and to identify the risk factors in our hospital.MethodsSeventy-four cases admitted between January 2011 and December 2016 was included in this study. A retrospective matched case-control study was conducted in a tertiary maternity and paediatric hospital. Risk factors for the acquisition of invasive GBS infection and mortality were analysed by univariable and multivariable analysis.ResultsWe collected and analysed data from 74 infants aged < 3 months with invasive GBS infection. Among 67,985 live births, we calculated an incidence of 1.09 per 1000 live births (95%CI:0.81–1.37%); the incidence of Early-onset GBS disease (EOD, n = 65) and Late-onset GBS disease (LOD, n = 9) were 0.96‰(95%CI:0.73–1.19%) and 0.13‰(95%CI:0.04–0.22%), respectively. Overall, pneumonia accounted 63.1% (41/65) of EOD, and sepsis accounted 88.9% (8/9) cases of LOD, respectively. The overall case fatality rate was 8.11% (6/74), including 7.69% (5/65) among cases of EOD and 11.1% (1/9) among cases of LOD. No predictor of mortality was found. Membrane stripping (P = 0.005, aOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.48–9.13) and non-resident mother (P < 0.001, aOR: 5.88, 95% CI: 2.36–14.61) were independent risk factors for EOD; no increased risk was found for LOD.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates remarkable country-specific variation in comparison with other countries. Our findings can improve awareness of neonatal GBS infection and lay a cornerstone to ensure accurate representation of the burden.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Serotype Distribution of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women Living in Belgium: A Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundGroup B streptococcus (GBS) infection is a leading cause of severe neonatal infection. Maternal GBS carriage during pregnancy is the main risk factor for both early-onset and late-onset GBS disease. High incidence of GBS infection has been reported in HIV-exposed but -uninfected infants (HEU). We aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors for GBS colonization in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected pregnant women living in Belgium.MethodsBetween January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013, HIV-infected (n = 125) and -uninfected (n = 120) pregnant women had recto-vaginal swabs at 35–37 weeks of gestation and at delivery for GBS detection. Demographic, obstetrical, and HIV infection–related data were prospectively collected. GBS capsular serotyping was performed on a limited number of samples (33 from HIV-infected and 16 from HIV-uninfected pregnant women).ResultsThere was no significant difference in the GBS colonization rate between HIV-infected and -uninfected pregnant women (29.6% vs 24.2%, respectively). HIV-infected women were more frequently colonized by serotype III (36.4% vs 12.5%), and the majority of serotype III strains belonged to the hypervirulent clone ST-17. Exclusively trivalent vaccine serotypes (Ia, Ib, and III) were found in 57.6% and 75% of HIV-infected and -uninfected women, respectively, whereas the hexavalent vaccine serotypes (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V) were found in 97% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsHIV-infected and -uninfected pregnant women living in Belgium have a similar GBS colonization rate. A trend to a higher colonization rate with serotype III was found in HIV-infected women, and those serotype III strains belong predominantly to the hypervirulent clone ST17.

Comparison of early-onset vs. late-onset GBS disease

Comparison of early-onset vs. late-onset GBS disease

Two Overlapping Clusters of Group B Streptococcus Late-onset Disease in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Current predominant routes of group B Streptococcus (GBS) transmission in preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are poorly defined. We report 2 overlapping clusters of GBS late-onset disease (LOD) from June to September 2015 in an Italian NICU. During the outbreak, possible sources of transmission (equipment, feeding bottles and breast pumps) were swabbed. Specimens from throat and rectum were collected on a weekly basis from all neonates admitted to NICU. Colonized or infected neonates had cohorting. Bacterial isolates were characterized by serologic and molecular typing methods. GBS was isolated in 2 full-term and 7 preterm neonates. Strains belonged to serotype III, with 3 different sequence types (ST17, ST182 and ST19). Full-term neonates were colonized with GBS strains unrelated to the clusters (ST182 and ST19). Two distinct ST17 strains caused 2 clusters in preterm neonates: a first cluster with 1 case of LOD and a second, larger cluster with 6 LOD in 5 neonates (one of them had recurrence). ST17 strains were isolated from vaginorectal and milk samples of 2 mothers. Two preterm neonates had no evidence of colonization for weeks, until they presented with LOD. Molecular analyses identified the presence of multiclonal GBS strains and 2 clusters of 7 cases of GBS-LOD. The dynamics of transmission of GBS within the NICU were complex. Breast milk was suspected to be one of the possible sources. In a research setting, the screening of GBS carrier mothers who deliver very preterm could contribute to the tracking of GBS transmission.

Group B streptococcus late-onset disease,contaminated breast milk and mothers persistently GBS negative: report of 3cases

BackgroundHuman milk is fundamental for its nutritional properties and to protect newborns, but it is not sterile and can sometime transmit bacteria. Few anecdotal cases suggest that breast milk could be a possible source of group B Streptococcus (GBS) late onset disease, although the pathogenesis is not entirely understood.Case presentationWe report 3 cases of GBS late onset disease in full-term newborns. Fresh breast milk cultures yielded GBS, but mothers of neonates had no signs of mastitis and remained persistently GBS negative at rectovaginal site.ConclusionsBreast milk containing group B Streptococcus can be a risk factor for late onset disease. The persistent negative maternal GBS status supports the assumption that newborns, colonised in the throat, could be the initial source of GBS, while the mammary gland could act as a GBS replication site. It is unclear whether a low bacterial load may represent only contamination rather than true milk infection.

Serial Clustering of Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Infections in the Neonatal Unit: A Genomic Re-evaluation of Causality.

BackgroundInvasive Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of serious neonatal infection. Current strategies to reduce early-onset GBS disease have no impact on late-onset disease (LOD). Although GBS LOD is viewed as a sporadic event in the community, LOD arising within the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) raises questions about mode of acquisition.MethodsFollowing a cluster of 4 GBS LOD cases, enhanced surveillance for all GBS LOD was undertaken over 2 years in the neonatal ICU supported by neonatal rectal screening. GBS isolates were serotyped and genome-sequenced.ResultsTwelve late -onset invasive GBS episodes were identified (incidence 0.6/1000 live births). Genomic analysis revealed that 11/12 GBS isolates (92%) were linked to at least one other LOD isolate. Isolates from the first cluster were serotype V, resistant to macrolides and lincosamides, and sequencing confirmed isolates were indistinguishable, or distinguishable by only one SNP difference, from each other. Rectal carriage was rare. Prospective surveillance identified three further clusters of LOD due to serotypes Ia (3 cases), Ib (2 cases), and III (2 cases), that would not have been identified without surveillance and genome sequencing, leading to a re-evaluation of interventions required to prevent GBS LOD.ConclusionAcquisition routes for LOD GBS in the neonatal ICU are poorly understood; cases may not necessarily be sporadic. Within this neonatal ICU, our data suggest that a single case of LOD GBS sepsis should be considered a potential nosocomial transmission event warranting prompt investigation, heightened infection prevention vigilance and action where required.

Role of HIV exposure and infection in relation to neonatal GBS disease and rectovaginal GBS carriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the leading cause worldwide of neonatal sepsis. We sought to assess to which extent HIV exposure of neonates is associated with GBS neonatal disease. Furthermore, we assessed to which extent HIV infection in women is associated with maternal rectovaginal GBS carriage, the single most important risk factor for GBS neonatal disease. We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies assessing the association between neonatal GBS disease and HIV-status of the mother and studies that assessed the association between rectovaginal GBS colonization and HIV status in women. HIV-exposed uninfected neonates were more than twice as likely to have neonatal GBS disease compared to unexposed neonates. HIV-exposed neonates were not at increased risk for early-onset neonatal disease, but were 4.43 times more likely to have late-onset neonatal GBS disease. There was no significant association between HIV infection status and rectovaginal GBS carriage. Public health interventions preventing neonatal GBS disease are urgently needed for the increasing group of HIV-exposed neonates. A framework integrating and explaining our findings highlights opportunities for the clinical practice and global health policy to prevent disease. Well-designed studies should clarify the relation between HIV-status and GBS carriage.

Group B Streptococcal infection in neonates and colonization in pregnant women: An epidemiological retrospective analysis.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is one of the major causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Universal GBS screening with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) in pregnant women were initiated in 2012 in Taiwan. This study aimed to analyze the most recent maternal GBS colonization rate and the changes in neonatal GBS infection rate from 2011 to 2016. All pregnant women and their live born neonates between January 2011 and June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Whether GBS screening was done, screening results, presence of risk factors, the use of antibiotics, and neonatal outcome were analyzed. In addition, hospitalized neonates diagnosed with GBS infections were retrieved for comparison of early onset disease (EOD) (<7 days) and late onset disease (LOD) (≥7 days). A total of 9535 women delivered babies during the study period. The maternal GBS screening rate was 71.0% and the colonization rate was 22.6%. The overall neonatal invasive GBS infection rate was 0.81 per 1000 live births and the vertical transmission rate was 1.2%. After 2012, the invasive neonatal GBS infection rate declined from 1.1-1.6‰ to 0.6-0.7‰ in 2014 and thereafter, the GBS EOD incidence rate declined from 2.8‰ to 0.0-0.6‰, but the LOD incidence rate remained approximately 0.7‰. Infants with EOD had strong association with obstetric risk factors. Taiwan's universal GBS screening with IAP program reduced the incidence rate of neonatal GBS EOD to be lower than 1‰ after 2012. Pediatricians still should pay attention to infants with GBS LOD since its incidence rate remained unchanged.