Global Burden of Infant Group B Streptococcal Disease

In a meta-analysis of global data, incidence and fatality rates differed among countries, but the underlying serotypes were similar.

Since the 1970s, group B streptococcus (GBS) has been a major cause of neonatal sepsis in high-income countries, but information from low- and middle-income countries has been limited. Now, a multinational team of researchers sponsored by the WHO's Child Epidemiology Reference Group has performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the global burden of neonatal GBS disease.

The researchers performed a literature search, extracting data from studies on GBS infections during the first 3 months of life, published from January 2000 through September 2011. Seventy-four studies (of which 56 reported incidence, 29 reported case fatality data, and 19 reported serotype distribution) met the inclusion criteria.

Incidence and fatality rates…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Global Burden of Infant Group B Streptococcal Disease

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Reviewing Author