Hearing Loss in Congenital, Neonataland Childhood Infections, Arısoy AE,Arısoy ES,Bayar Muluk N,Cingi C,Correa AG, Editör, Springer, London/Berlin , Zürich, ss.401-419, 2023
Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B streptococcus (GBS), is an important
cause of bacterial infection—in neonates and early infancy. In this early period,
GBS may cause sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and other focal infections [1]. It
commonly colonizes the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of pregnant women.
Vaginal and cervical colonization is usually asymptomatic; however, maternal colonization
is the primary risk factor for GBS infection in neonates and young infants
[2]. The clinical disease can present as bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, septic
arthritis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and adenitis. Moderate or severe neurodevelopmental
impairment is common among survivors with GBS meningitis; 18% of survivors
with an average follow-up of 18 months are affected [3]. Hearing loss may
also occur in patients with GBS meningitis. The frequency and complications of
meningitis may vary according to the time of infection [1].