Group B streptococcal infection in neonates.

A study of 866 vaginal swabs from non-pregnant women showed that 167 (19.3%) contained Group B beta-haemolytic streptococci, with a predominance of Types 3 (31.4%) and Ib (25.2%). The incidence of severe neonatal infections due to Group B streptococci during a 3 1/2 year period at The Prince of Wales Hospital was examined, and a study was made of the distribution of serotypes and associated clinical features (including prematurity and abnormal deliveries) in 16 neonates with septicaemia and/or meningitis admitted to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, and the Paediatric Department of The Prince of Wales Hospital. From this study it was concluded that prophylactic antibiotic therapy should be administered to neonates with evidence of Group B streptococcal colonization of the throat, umbilicus, or gut, when there is also evidence of prematurity, prolonged interval between membrane rupture and delivery, or other associated obstetric complications.