[Maternal deficiency of IgG 2 and IgG 4 and neonatal infection caused by B-streptococci].

We describe here an newborn infant born in the 39th week of gestation with an early onset sepsis caused by group B streptococci. The intravenous administration of antibiotics and immunoglobulin preparation was unable to prevent the fatal outcome. The boy died after 16 hours of life. In the maternal serum a marked deficiency of IgG 2 and IgG 4 could be demonstrated. According to the results from the literature it seems possible that partial immunodeficiencies are important factors in the pathogenesis of the B-streptococcal disease of the newborn.