Systemic group D streptococcal infection in newborn infants

Am J Dis Child. 1979 Mar;133(3):270-3. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1979.02130030046007.

Abstract

Thirteen cases of group D streptococcal neonatal sepsis and/or meningitis were identified at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital from 1970 to 1976. Ages at onset of disease ranged from 1 to 25 days. The most frequent symptoms were fever (five cases), lethargy (five cases), and respiratory difficulty (four cases). Blood cultures for seven infants were positive; CSF cultures for five infants were positive; and CSF and blood cultures for one infant were both positive. In 12 patients, parenteral antibiotic therapy consisted of a penicillin and an aminoglycoside. One infant with a severe meningomyelocele died. The other 12 infants showed a rapid clinical response with seven patients improving within 48 hours of the start of therapy. Infection with group D streptococcus results in a low-grade systemic disease in both full-term and premature infants that responds favorably to appropriate therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Ampicillin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Enterococcus faecalis
  • Female
  • Gentamicins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Meningitis / etiology
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Streptococcal Infections* / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Gentamicins
  • Penicillins
  • Ampicillin