Streptococcus Pneumoniae: The Forgotten Microorganism in Neonatal Sepsis

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rarely cause of neonatal sepsis. Its prevalence is low but with a mortality of 50%. Measures to prevent Streptococcus agalactiae transmission could help to increase Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) in newborns. Transmission could be from mother intrapartum; or in those cases of late onset sepsis, the community carriers. Systematic vaccination with PCV-7 and PCV-13 has reduced IPD rates. We present a case of a newborn with no perinatal risk factors for infection. In the first 24 hours after surgery of an ovarian cyst, the patient started with bad general condition with fever and regular perfusion. Empiric antibiotic treatment was started. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated in blood culture.

Conclusion: In neonatal sepsis, we always think in Streptococcus agalactiae. Streptococcus pneumoniae is rare but with a high morbidity and mortality. Systematic vaccination is a measure that has demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of Invasive pneumococcal disease.

Keywords: :

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• newborn
• sepsis.