Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis in the newborn.

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is an uncommon cause of neonatal sepsis.

AIMS

To report on the spectrum of morbidity associated with SP infections in the neonatal period.

METHODS

A case series of SP infection in the neonatal period was studied. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were noted.

RESULTS

Four cases of neonatal SP infection are reported, one of which was due to a strain with reduced susceptibility to penicillin. All four cases had very early onset of severe clinical disease with bacteremia and pneumonia. In one case a retrospective diagnosis of meningitis was made as well. Maternal illness was a feature in one of these infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Although less common now than in the pre-antibiotic era, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a rare but important cause of neonatal sepsis and can mimic early onset Group B streptococcal sepsis. It is unclear whether current infant or adult pneumococcal immunisation programs might influence its incidence in the neonatal period. The potential for strains with reduced susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics to cause neonatal infection needs to be considered in relevant settings.