Neonatal Infections Caused by Group B Streptococci: Relation between the Occurrence in the Vaginal Flora of Term Pregnant Women and Infection in the Newborn Infant

Abstract

Vaginal cultures from 118 consecutive term pregnant women revealed that 14% of these symptom-free women had group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) in their genital tract Of the 17 children born to those women carrying group B streptococci, none developed severe infection. 15 were thoroughly examined, 5 of whom had bacterial colonization and 1 developed omphalitis. However, the risk cannot be neglected, as more than 100 cases of severe neonatal infection have been published. The mothers were examined at varying intervals after delivery and many showed persistence of these bacteria in their genital tracts.