Group B streptococcal infection in a maternity unit.

Neonatal infection due to Group B streptococci is described in a maternity unit. Six babies were affected and two died. Three of the babies were born at term, and weighed more than 2.5 kg. Tachypnoea was the earliest clinical sign in each case, and we suggest that newborn infants with persistent tachypnoea and evidence of maternal or infant colonization with Group B streptococci should receive antibiotics. Alternative approaches to the diagnosis and management of infection with Group B streptococci are discussed and rejected.