Group B Streptococcal Infections in Children and Hearing Loss

Creative Commons License

Karadağ Öncel E.

in: Hearing Loss in Congenital, Neonataland Childhood Infections, Arısoy AE,Arısoy ES,Bayar Muluk N,Cingi C,Correa AG, Editor, Springer, London/Berlin , Zürich, pp.401-419, 2023

  • Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Vocational Book
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Publisher: Springer, London/Berlin 
  • City: Zürich
  • Page Numbers: pp.401-419
  • Editors: Arısoy AE,Arısoy ES,Bayar Muluk N,Cingi C,Correa AG, Editor
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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].