Natural history of neonatal colonization with group B streptococci
Speck, W.T.; Driscoll, J.M.; Polin, R.A.; Rosenkranz, H.S.
Pediatrics 60(3): 356-359
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 331224 Document Number: 118026
Thirteen percent of the newborns in our study group were colonized with group B streptococci on day 3. This colonization rate appeared constant during the first two weeks of life and then decreased to 5%. Of the babies colonized on day 3, 59% and 91% were culture-negative on days 14 and 42, respectively. Sixty-five percent of the babies carrying group B streptococci on day 14 acquired this microorganism following discharge (day 3). Babies colonized with staphylococci or Escherichia coli were found to have decreased probability of colonization with group B streptococci.