Fatal Group G Streptococcal Sepsis in a Preterm Neonate

Abstract

The etiology of neonatal infections has undergone certain changes, with an important consideration being the emergence of the group B streptococcus as a major pathogen in the newly born. A number of non—group B streptococci have been shown to cause infections clinically simulating group B streptococcal infection, namely, A, C, 1 D, 2 and more recently, G. 3-6 We report a fatal case of group G streptococcal septicemia in a 2-kg preterm infant. Report of a Case. —Twin males were born to a 27-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, white woman by spontaneous vaginal delivery at 32 weeks' gestation. The pregnancy had been uncomplicated, and artificial rupture of membranes three hours prior to delivery yielded clear amniotic fluid. Each had Apgar scores of 5 and 6 at 1 and 5 minutes of age. Initial examination revealed the lengths and head circumference to be in the 50th percentile for the gestational age