Systemic group D streptococcal infection in newborn infants.
Thirteen cases of group D streptococcal neonatal sepsis and/or meningitis were identified at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital from 1970 to 1976. Ages at onset of disease ranged from 1 to 25 days. The most frequent symptoms were fever (five cases), lethargy (five cases), and respiratory difficulty (four cases). Blood cultures for seven infants were positive; CSF cultures for five infants were positive; and CSF and blood cultures for one infant were both positive. In 12 patients, parenteral antibiotic therapy consisted of a penicillin and an aminoglycoside. One infant with a severe meningomyelocele died. The other 12 infants showed a rapid clinical response with seven patients improving within 48 hours of the start of therapy. Infection with group D streptococcus results in a low-grade systemic disease in both full-term and premature infants that responds favorably to appropriate therapy.
D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis; D005260:Female; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D005839:Gentamicins; D010406:Penicillins; D000667:Ampicillin