How are group B streptococcal infections spread?
Neonatal infection may be divided into two types: • Early Onset Disease (EOD), which occurs in the first week of life. In these cases the source of the infection is usually the mother’s genital flora. • Late Onset Disease (LOD), which occurs between the 7th and 90th day of life. In these cases the infant is presumed to have been infected after the birth, and as such may have acquired their infection whilst in hospital e.g. cross-infection in neonatal units. GBS infection in older adults is often associated with urinary tract infection (cystitis), or infections of pre-existing wounds or lesions eg diabetic foot ulcers.
