Neonatal streptococcal infections.
Most serious neonatal streptococcal infections are caused by group-B streptococci. The pattern of serious group-B neonatal disease in Britain resembles that described in other countries; both "early-onset" and "late-onset" forms are seen, but reliable incidence rates have not yet been determined. Serological-type III strains predominate in neonatal meningitis in Britain, but not so markedly as in some parts of the U.S.A. A deficiency of group-II strains in meningitis is, however, apparent in both countries. Present information about the carriage of group-B streptococci suggests that antibiotic prophylaxis administered to mothers or infants is unlikely to reduce greatly the frequency of "early-onset" disease. The continuous presence of a suitable chemical disinfectant in the vagina during labour might be more effective. Insufficient is known about the epidemiology of "late-onset" neonatal disease for rational preventive measures to be designed. More information is required about the postnatal acquisition of group-B streptococci by neonates and its sources, and about passive transfer of type-specific antibody from the mother to her child.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States