Summary Streptococcus agalactiae: Clinical Management, Prevention, and Nursing Care

10/24/2024




CHAPTER TWO
PART II
Streptococci spp


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Streptococcus agalactiae
Group B, β-haemolytic streptococci




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Morphology of Strepto. agalactiae

Gram-positive cocci
arranged in pairs and short
chains in clinical
specimens.
Morphologically similar to
Strepto. Pyogenes
They possess a
polysaccharide capsule ,
which is anti-phagocytic.

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Habitat
 Strepto. agalactiae are found
as commensals in the:-
1. Genitourinary tract &
2. Lower gastrointestinal tract.
 Vaginal carriage rate as high as
40–50% has been observed in
some pregnant women.
 More than 50% of infants born
to these mothers through
vaginal delivery are colonized
with Strepto. agalactiae.


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Infections caused by Strepto.
agalactiae
 Strepto. agalactiae in neonates can cause either:-
1) Early-onset infections. or
2) Late-onset infections.
1) Early-onset infections.
 Early-onset infection is acquired either in utero or from mother’s
vagina during delivery.
 The clinical symptoms develop during the first week of life.
 The condition is characterized by:-
 Septicemia,
 Meningitis, or
 Pneumonia.
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CONT,,,
 The main predisposing factor is :-
 Delayed delivery after rupture of membranes – longer
than 18 hours.
 Premature babies are at higher risk.
2) Late-onset infection
 Late-onset infection is acquired from mother or from
another infant (environment) during 2–12 weeks of life.
 The condition manifests as:-
 Septicemia and
 Meningitis.
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