Haemolytic Streptococci on the Neonatal Umbilicus

Neonatal streptococcal infections

“…Infections in infants may be associated with outbreaks of puerperal sepsis or with symptomless vaginal carriage in the mother, but both of these events are unusual. Many group-A streptococcal infections of neonates are almost symptomless; on a number of occasions, widespread umbilical colonization in nurseries has been revealed only when a serious infection in an infant or an outbreak of puerperal sepsis occurred (Gray, 1956;Kwantes and James, 1956;Boissard and Eton, 1956;Langewisch, 1956). There is some evidence that the rarity of serious group-A streptococcal disease among neonates is attributable to the presence of maternally acquired protective antibody (Zimmerman and Hill, 1969).…”

An outbreak of streptococcal infection in a maternity unit

“…In contrast, Streptococcus pyogenes, although at one time an important cause of infection in obstetric units (Colebrook and Kenny, 1936), is now not often encountered. However, our experience with this streptococcal outbreak is not unique and there are a number of reports in the literature demonstrating how rapidly and unexpectedly a maternity unit may be invaded by this pathogen, leading to deaths in neonates from overwhelming infection (Boissard POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL April, 1965 andEton, 1956;Gibson and Calman, 1953;Gray, 1956;Kwantes and James, 1956;Langewisch, 1956;Nicol, 1961).…”

Neonatal Infections

“…The prevention of transference of organisms from patient to patient and from staff to patient is exceedingly difficult; therefore any method that will reduce the number of staphylococci will be valuable. Attention has recently been focused on the infant's umbilicus as a reservoir of infection in maternity units (Boissard and Eton, 1956; Kwantes and James, 1956). Jellard (1957) recommends the routine application of triple dye (Brilliant green 2.29 grammes, proflavine hemisulphate 1.14 grammes, crystal violet 2.29 grammes, water 1,000 ml.)…”