Group B streptococcal infection

Group B streptococcal infection, also known as Group B streptococcal disease or just Group B strep, is the infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) (also known as group B streptococcus or GBS).

GBS infection can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

A 12-day-old female, who underwent prenatal Myelomeningocele repair via a two-layer closure (dural replacement patch, primary skin closure), was born at 34 weeks' gestation. Her Group B streptococcal infection positive mother received appropriate antepartum prophylactic antibiotics. She remained stable until day 11 of life when she underwent rapid clinical deterioration. Despite aggressive intervention, she expired on day 12. Review of placental pathology showed maternal and fetal inflammatory response. Autopsy revealed Gram-positive cocci and inflammation within the basilar leptomeninges and lumbosacral region. Neural and dermal elements were present within the MMC repair. This case documents integration of the dermal matrix patch to neural elements, adhering the spinal cord to scar tissue, the clinical implications of which remain unclear ¹⁾.