Invasive group B streptococcal infections in Finland: a population-based study.
We analyzed surveillance data on group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in Finland from 1995 to 2000 and reviewed neonatal cases of early-onset GBS infection in selected hospitals in 1999 to 2000. From 1995 to 2000, 853 cases were reported (annual incidence 2.2-3.0/100,000 population). We found 32-38 neonatal cases of early-onset GBS disease per year (annual incidence 0.6-0.7/1,000 live births). In five hospitals, 35% of 26 neonatal cases of early-onset GBS infection had at least one risk factor: prolonged rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, or intrapartum fever. Five of eight mothers screened for GBS were colonized. In one case, disease developed despite intrapartum chemoprophylaxis. Although the incidence of early-onset GBS disease in Finland is relatively low, some geographic variation exists, and current prevention practices are suboptimal. Establishing national guidelines to prevent perinatal GBS is likely to reduce the incidence of the disease.
Lyytikäinen
Outi
O
National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland. outi.lyytikainen@ktl.fi
Nuorti
J Pekka
JP
Halmesmäki
Erja
E
Carlson
Petteri
P
Uotila
Jukka
J
Vuento
Risto
R
Ranta
Tapio
T
Sarkkinen
Hannu
H
Ammälä
Martti
M
Kostiala
Anja
A
Järvenpää
Anna-Liisa
AL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012042:Registries; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires