Fatal late-onset group B streptococcal sepsis on a special care baby unit.

A 3-week-old preterm baby developed late-onset group B streptococcal sepsis and died, despite therapy with penicillin, granulocyte transfusions and fresh frozen plasma. Serotyping and phage typing results strongly suggested late acquisition of the organism from the mother. The baby had previously developed and recovered from an Escherichia coli bacteraemia.