A retrospective study on group B beta haemolytic streptococcal sepsis in early infancy

Abstract

Objectives To determine the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of group B haemolytic streptococcal (GBS) sepsis Design, setting and method This was a two year retrospective observational analysis at Colombo South Teaching hospital. All clinically suspected and bacteriologically confirmed cases of GBS sepsis in infants up to three month of age were analysed. Data was obtained from individual clinical notes and records at the Department of Microbiology. Results There were 21 cases, an incidence of 1.06 per 1000 live births. Thirteen (62%) were male. Seven (33%) were premature. Thirteen (62%) were early onset and 08 (38%) were late onset. Main presenting features on admission were respiratory 11 (52%), poor activity/feeding 09 (43%) and fever 08 (38%). Complications were mainly neurological (48%) Mortality was 4.7 %.