Group B streptococci in pharyngeal aspirates at birth and the early detection of neonatal sepsis. Issue 7 (July 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slack, M P; Mayon-White, R T
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 53:Issue 7(1978)
• Page Start: 540
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 1978-07
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.53.7.540
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The pharyngeal aspirates collected from 400 babies at the time of delivery were examined for the presence of bacteria, especially group B streptococci. Aspirates from 79 babies were found to contain viable bacteria, including 4 with group B streptococci; one of these 4 babies developed streptococcal meningitis within 24 hours. The group B streptococci were seen on a Gram-stained film of the aspirate, and were detectable by coagglutination and countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis within 4 hours and by culture after 24 hours. Examination of pharyngeal aspirates may be of value as a screening test for neonatal sepsis.