Group G streptococcal colonization and sepsis in neonates.

Group G streptococci were isolated from the blood of seven neonates over a five-year period at the New York Hospital. All but two were born near term. All presented clinically with signs and symptoms of neonatal sepsis. Only one case was associated with a major complication--epidermolysis bullosa; this patient died. Two presented as late-onset sepsis at 11 and 12 days of age. Six of the seven responded promptly to antibiotic therapy. A one-year survey was carried out of colonization with groups B and G streptococci at the time of discharge (day 3). Colonization with group G streptococci varied between 41 and 76% of babies each month. Group B streptococcal colonization ranged between 1 and 11%. Statistical analysis suggested that colonization with these organisms may be a mutually exclusive phenomenon.