S. agalactia (GBS), Group B and G clinical infections

What is the significance of Streptococcus agalactiae in newborns?

It is a significant cause of invasive disease in newborns, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

When do most S. agalactiae infections occur in infants?

Within the first 3 days after birth, usually within 24 hours.

What are the two clinical syndromes of neonatal GBS disease?

1. Early-onset infection (<7 days old) – pneumonia and sepsis 2. Late-onset infection (7 days to ~3 months old) – meningitis and sepsis

List three associated risk factors for S. agalactiae infection in newborns.

• Obstetric complications* Prolonged rupture of membranes* Premature birth

What is the significance of Streptococcus agalactiae in newborns?

It is a significant cause of invasive disease in newborns, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

When do most S. agalactiae infections occur in infants?

Within the first 3 days after birth, usually within 24 hours.

What are the two clinical syndromes of neonatal GBS disease?

1. Early-onset infection (<7 days old) – pneumonia and sepsis 2. Late-onset infection (7 days to ~3 months old) – meningitis and sepsis

List three associated risk factors for S. agalactiae infection in newborns.

• Obstetric complications* Prolonged rupture of membranes* Premature birth

When should pregnant women be screened for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

At 35 to 37 weeks’ gestation.

In adults, S. agalactiae infection affects which two types of patients?

1. Young, healthy women after childbirth or abortion 2. Elderly persons with underlying diseases or immunodeficiency

What infections can S. agalactiae cause in postpartum women?

Endometritis and wound infections.

What is the drug of choice for treating S. agalactiae?

Penicillin

What combination therapy is sometimes recommended for severe S. agalactiae infections?

Ampicillin + aminoglycoside

What is the representative species of Group C and G Streptococci?

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

What are the two subdivisions of Group C and G Streptococci?

• Large-colony forms* Small-colony forms

Which group are large-colony forming isolates classified with?

They are classified with the pyogenic streptococci.

What is the significance of Streptococcus agalactiae in newborns?

It is a significant cause of invasive disease in newborns, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

When do most S. agalactiae infections occur in infants?

Within the first 3 days after birth, usually within 24 hours.

What are the two clinical syndromes of neonatal GBS disease?

1. Early-onset infection (<7 days old) – pneumonia and sepsis 2. Late-onset infection (7 days to ~3 months old) – meningitis and sepsis

List three associated risk factors for S. agalactiae infection in newborns.

• Obstetric complications* Prolonged rupture of membranes* Premature birth

When should pregnant women be screened for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

At 35 to 37 weeks’ gestation.

In adults, S. agalactiae infection affects which two types of patients?

1. Young, healthy women after childbirth or abortion 2. Elderly persons with underlying diseases or immunodeficiency

What infections can S. agalactiae cause in postpartum women?

Endometritis and wound infections.

What is the drug of choice for treating S. agalactiae?

Penicillin

What combination therapy is sometimes recommended for severe S. agalactiae infections?

Ampicillin + aminoglycoside

What is the representative species of Group C and G Streptococci?

Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

What are the two subdivisions of Group C and G Streptococci?

• Large-colony forms* Small-colony forms

Which group are large-colony forming isolates classified with?

They are classified with the pyogenic streptococci.

Which subspecies do beta-hemolytic large-colony isolates belong to?

S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis

What antigens can S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis exhibit?

Group A and L antigens

Which group do small-colony forming isolates belong to?

They belong to the S. anginosus group (under the viridans group of streptococci).

What type of hemolysis is shown by both large- and small-colony isolates of Groups C and G Streptococci?

Beta-hemolysis