Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

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Streptococcus agalactiae ; Sepsis of the newborn; Lancefield group B streptococcus; Group B streptococcus

Parents should watch for any of the following symptoms when their child is less than 3 months old, particularly in the first 6 weeks. The early stages of the disease can produce subtle symptoms. Parents should contact their doctor if they are concerned that symptoms are developing.

Symptoms may include:

• Unstable temperature (low or high)
• Poor feeding
• Baby appears unwell, stressed, or anxious
• Breathing difficulties
  • Grunting
  • Flaring of the nostrils
  • Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
  • Short periods without breathing (apneic episodes -- see apnea)
  • Blue appearance (cyanosis)
• Irregular heart rate - may be fast (tachycardia) or extremely slow (bradycardia)
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Lethargy
• Coma
• Shock

• Blood culture (grows group B strep)
• CSF culture
• Urine culture (see urine collection - infants )
• CBC (complete blood count)
• Chest x-ray
• Blood gases
• PT and PTT

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.