Case report and literature review of late-onset group B streptococcal disease manifesting as necrotizing fasciitis in preterm infants: is this a new syndrome?

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Nov 1;37(9):e132-5. doi: 10.1086/378892. Epub 2003 Oct 3.

Abstract

We describe a 5-month-old preterm female infant who presented with necrotizing fasciitis involving the face and neck caused by group B streptococcus (GBS). Because of the extent and anatomic location of the necrosis, surgical debridement was delayed for 16 days, but the infant survived. Review of the literature demonstrated that 3 of the 10 previously reported cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by GBS involved preterm infants and that 2 of these cases also involved the head and neck.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Debridement
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Streptococcal Infections / surgery*
  • Streptococcus / isolation & purification*