Anti-group B Streptococcus antibody in infants born to mothers with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Background: HIV-exposed uninfected infants have increased infection risk and mortality compared to HIV-unexposed infants. HIV-exposed infants may be at increased risk of invasive GBS disease due to reduced maternal antibody against GBS.

Methods: We quantified antibodies that bind to the surface of whole Group B Streptococcus (GBS) of serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III and V using novel flow cytometry assays in South African HIV-infected and non-infected mothers and their uninfected infants.

Neonatal infections: group B streptococcus.

Introduction: One in four women carry group B streptococci vaginally, which can infect the amniotic fluid even if the membranes are intact, or can infect the baby during delivery, causing sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. Very-low-birthweight infants are at much higher risk of infection or mortality, with up to 3% infected, and mortality rates of up to 30% even with immediate antibiotic treatment. Late-onset group B streptococcal infection begins after 7 to 9 days, and usually causes fever or meningitis, but is less often fatal compared with early infection.

Antimicrobial policies in the neonatal units of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Objectives: To review antibiotic and antifungal policies in British and Irish neonatal units (NNUs).

Methods: A telephone survey was performed regarding empirical antimicrobial guidelines of NNUs in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Results: The response rate was 91% (202 of 222 NNUs).