Mortality from early onset group B streptococcal infection in the United Kingdom

Aims-To assess the assumption that group B streptococcal infection is less common in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States. Methods-All stillbirth and neonatal death records in the former Northern He alth Region were scrutinised to determine how many babies had died of infec tion in 1981-96, and what had been the cause. Results-Fifty one of 630 206 live born babies had died of confirmed group B streptococcal infection after becoming symptomatic within 48 hours of birt h (0.8 neonatal deaths per 10 000 live births). There were a further 27 dea ths from infection without a confirmed microbiological diagnosis, and 17 st illbirths from confirmed group B streptococcal infection. Conclusions-The incidence of death from early onset infection was marginall y higher than the officially estimated rate for the United States before wi despread prophylaxis was attempted. Strategies for perinatal prevention des erve greater attention in the United Kingdom.