GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS IN EMILIA-ROMAGNA: ISSUE OF INCREASING PEDIATRIC RELEVANCE

Key words: Group B Streptococcus, Infant, Sepsis, Septic shock, Intrapartum chemoprophylaxis

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is still a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. It can result in death or long-term disabilities, including mental retardation and hearing or vision loss. Even if the adoption of preventive strategies significantly decreased the rate of early-onset infections, cases of GBS infection continue to occur. Methods: We determined incidence and clinical features of disease in Emilia-Romagna, a Northern region of Italy where GBS preventive strategies have been implemented. Results: The total number of live births was 12,933. Early-onset infections (EOD) were 30 (2 infants died), whereas late-onset diseases (LOD) were 26 (4 infants died), with the latter accounting for most meningitis and deaths. Risk factors were found in 12 and 7 infants with EOD and LOD respectively. 2 women. Twenty-one term mothers had antenatal screening: four were GBS colonized but 17 were culture negative. Conclusion: The incidence of EOD found in Emilia-Romagna is one of the lowest in Europe. Several early infections were still observed because of negative screening results. LODs accounted for most meningitis cases and deaths.