Early- and Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Infections: Overview and Case Studies

Infants that are admitted and cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit are at risk for sepsis. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Group B Streptococcus is classified into early- and late-onset sepsis. With early onset, infants develop symptoms within 7 days of birth. With late onset, they develop symptoms between 7 days and 3 months of life. Prompt identification and treatment of suspected septic infants are crucial. Infants who develop early- or late-onset GBS sepsis are at risk for sequelae ranging from normal physiologic outcome to devastating long-term conditions and even death. Despite advances in medical management of pregnant women being screened for GBS, infants are still becoming infected with GBS and suffering those consequences. Current research is looking at developing a vaccination that would be given to childbearing women to prevent the spread of GBS sepsis. Although there is research being done in this area, it is of utmost importance that clinicians are vigilant in prompt assessment and treatment of infants suspected of having sepsis.