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Characteristics
- Gram positive Cocci
- polysaccharide capsule that contains sialic acid
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Epidemiology
- Lead cause of sepsis and meningitis in first days of life
- GBS found in 10-30% of vaginal flora
- Produces disease in 2% of pregnancies
- Risk higher for premature infants or rupture of amniotic membrane
- Can develop 1-3 months later
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Pathogenesis
- Sialic acid binds factor H -> poor alternative pathway activation
- Immunity: Type specific; type III produces most disease
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Clinical manifestations
- Non specific
- Respiratory distress, fever, lethargy, irritability, apnea, hypotension
- Pneumonia, sometime meningitis, usually GBS in blood
- Onset is first few days of life
- Mortality rate: 20%
- Can occur in adults
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Treatment
Penicillina and aminoglycoside combo
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Prevention
- Intrapartum prophylaxis
- Screen women
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