[Dermo-hypodermitis caused by group B Streptococcus in infants under 3 months of age: A retrospective study in two hospitals]

Abstract

Background: Very few studies describe group B streptococcal dermo-hypodermitis in newborns.

Objectives: To describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and course of group B streptococcal dermo-hypodermitis in infants less than 3 months old.

Patients and methods: Infants under 3 months of age, hospitalized for group B streptococcal dermo-hypodermitis at Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France, and at Orsay Hospital, Orsay, France, between January 2002 and August 2013, were included in a retrospective study.

Results: Five infants were included in this study. All the infections occurred late. Dermo-hypodermitis accounted for 7% of the overall late-onset group B streptococcal infections during the same period. Four patients were male and had a risk factor of maternal-fetal infection (prematurity/hypotrophy). Four patients had specific clinical signs of dermo-hypodermitis with septic shock features on admission. One patient had meningitis and associated parotitis. Group B Streptococcus was isolated from blood culture of all patients. Serotype III Streptococcus was identified in four cases. The duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy varied from 7 to 23 days and the total duration of antibiotic therapy was between 14 and 44 days. The progression was favorable for all the infants, with no recurrence.

Conclusion: Dermo-hypodermitis in infants under 3 months of age is rare but could be an early indicator of group B streptococcal bacteremia and/or sepsis. Early diagnosis of this severe complication and appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical.