The sequelae of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal meningitis in early infancy.

The group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus is responsible for an escalating frequency of neonatal meningitis. Of the 18 consecutive cases we report in this study, the mortality was 17%. Among the 15 survivors, there were two children with extensive neurological and psychological impairment. There were no major differences between the survivors and controls in tests of hearing and language function, social skills, and psychological testing. There was a greater number of minor neurological signs among the study group. The mortality and morbidity of group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal meningitis is apparently substantially less than that of all other types of neonatal bacterial meningitis.