Ongoing Cases of Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease in the Era of Screening and Prophylaxis.

Objective: We reviewed cases of group B Streptococcus (GBS) sepsis in term infants at our institution to identify areas for potential prevention.

Methods: We identified cases by searching our institution's microbiology databases for all positive GBS blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures taken from infants between 2008 and 2013. Patients were included if the timing of the positive culture met the criteria for early-onset GBS disease (age 7 days or under). Charts that met inclusion criteria were abstracted for details related to antepartum screening, intrapartum care, and postpartum outcome.

Results: There are an average of 10 000 deliveries per year in our institution. During the five-year period (2008-2013), we identified 13 cases representing early-onset GBS disease in term infants. Of the 13 cases, nine mothers screened negative for GBS, two screened positive, and two were screened unknown. Four cases qualified for intrapartum prophylaxis; of these, two did not receive appropriate prophylaxis, one because of parental refusal and one for unspecified reasons after the membranes had been ruptured for > 18 hours. All 13 infants had confirmed GBS bacteremia, and four had concurrent GBS meningitis. One infant died and one infant had neurologic sequelae.

Conclusion: Early-onset GBS disease in term infants continues to occur at our institution, and consequences for the infant can be severe. The majority of cases identified were screened and managed in accordance with current guidelines. Most cases were GBS negative when screened in the antepartum period, raising the question of whether a more sensitive test or a test closer to delivery could prevent further cases of early-onset GBS disease.