Group B Streptococcus (GBS)Â is still the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns, concludes a seven-year French study in the March issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.
Group B strep remains predominant despite the recent introduction of GBS screening for women near delivery, according to the new report, led by Dr. Jean Gaschignard Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, Clamart, France. However, the situation is different for preterm infantswho are at higher risk of death, regardless of the cause of their meningitis.
Drawing on information from 60 percent of French pediatric wards from 2001 through 2007, the researchers identified 444 infants who were diagnosed with bacterial meningitis during the first 28 days of life. About two-thirds of cases were "late onset," occurring at least five days after birth. The remaining one-third were "early onset," occurring in the first four days (usually the first day).
The most common cause was GBS, which accounted for nearly 60 percent of cases. The next most common, about 30 percent, was Escherichia coli (E. coli)a type of intestinal bacteria. In early-onset meningitis, GBS was even more common, accounting for more than three-fourths of cases. Infants who had seizures were also more likely to be infected with GBS.
The exception was preterm infants, who were more likely to be infected with E. coli: 45 percent of cases, compared to 32 percent for GBS. The rate of E. coli infection was even higher, 54 percent, in very preterm infants.
Overall, 13 percent of newborns with bacterial meningitis died. For preterm infants or those who were small for gestational age, the mortality rate increased to 25 percent.
The cooperative study was performed by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Group of the French Pediatric Society to gain insights into the rates, causes, treatment, and outcomes of newborn bacterial meningitis in France. Over the past decade, hospitals in France and other developed countries began giving preventive antibiotics during the last weeks of pregnancy (intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis) to mothers colonized with GBS.
This raised concerns that other causes of bacterial meningitis might become more common, or that meningitis caused by GBS might shift from early-onset to late-onset cases. "Nevertheless, at the dawn of the 21st century, GBS remains the dominant cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis in developed countries such as France," Gaschignard and co-authors write.
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.