Serotypes, genotypes, and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of group B streptococci causing neonatal sepsis and meningitis before and after introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis.

We studied the characteristics of strains isolated from neonates with group B streptococci sepsis and meningitis, before and after the introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis in The Netherlands. In 1999, 1 year after this introduction the serotype and genotype distribution and the susceptibility patterns of the GBS strains had not changed. Penicillins remain drugs of first choice to prevent and treat neonatal GBS disease.

Neonatal group B streptococcal infection: incidence and strategies for prevention in Europe.

We sent a questionnaire to all members of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases and to all delegates of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine to determine existing policies for prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) infection in Europe. The incidence of GBS colonization in pregnant women and of neonatal GBS infection varies. Policies for prevention of GBS infection are not well-developed.

Epidemiology of neonatal group B streptococcal disease in The Netherlands 1997-98.

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn infants. In The Netherlands, there are no published data on the incidence of neonatal GBS infection. We collected data of all infants with GBS disease during the first 3 months of life, as reported to the Dutch Paediatric Surveillance Unit (DPSU) during a period of 2 years (1997-98).