The Spectrum of Group B Streptococcal Infections in Infancy

A five-year review of group B β-hemolytic streptococcal infections of infancy was made to determine the spectrum and incidence of disease caused by this organism. Seventy-one infants with streptococcal disease were seen from 1969 through 1973. The incidence of streptococcal disease increased significantly in 1973, while the rate of Escherichia coli disease was unchanged during the five-year period. Twelve (17%) of the 71 infants showed unusual or previously unrecognized forms of group B streptococcal disease: asymptomatic bacteremia in four infants, septic arthritis in three infants, and osteomyelitis, ethmoiditis with orbital cellulitis, pneumonia with empyema, facial cellulitis, and conjunctivitis in one infant each.