Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

Alternative names:

group B streptococcus; Lancefield group B streptococcus; sepsis of the newborn; streptococcus agalactiae

Definition:

A severe systemic infection of the newborn infant caused by group B streptococcus. The conditions is usually classified into an early phase (usually appearing at birth or up to 72 hours) and a late phase presentation. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
This form of infection is caused by group B strep, a bacterium which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal and the genitourinary tracts. Group B strep is responsible for about three-fourths of sepsis cases in infants. Risk factors include a mother with group B strep infection, premature rupture of membranes, prematurity, immune defects and certain congenital anomalies.Group B strep may infect the fetus through the blood stream across the placenta or through ruptured membranes as the infant passes through the birth canal. The infant may also become infected after delivery, but this produces a later appearance of illness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This form of infection is caused by group B strep, a bacterium which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal and the genitourinary tracts. Group B strep is responsible for about three-fourths of sepsis cases in infants. Risk factors include a mother with group B strep infection, premature rupture of membranes, prematurity, immune defects and certain congenital anomalies.Group B strep may infect the fetus through the blood stream across the placenta or through ruptured membranes as the infant passes through the birth canal. The infant may also become infected after delivery, but this produces a later appearance of illness.