Neonatal meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord in newborns, often caused by bacteria that enter the bloodstream and spread to the central nervous system. One of the most common culprits is Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacteria commonly found in the mother’s vaginal and rectal area.
📌 Fact: GBS is responsible for up to 50% of neonatal bacterial meningitis cases, making it the leading cause in newborns.
🦠 How Does GBS Cause Neonatal Meningitis?
GBS can be passed from mother to baby during delivery, especially if the mother is colonized with GBS in the birth canal. If the bacteria enter the newborn’s bloodstream, they can travel to the brain and cause inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).
There are two types of GBS infections in newborns:
🔹 Early-Onset GBS Disease (First 24–48 Hours of Life)
✔ Passed from the mother during labor and delivery.
✔ Can cause sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
🔹 Late-Onset GBS Disease (1 Week – 3 Months After Birth)
✔ May be transmitted after birth through contact with infected caregivers or the hospital environment.
✔ More likely to cause meningitis, leading to seizures, developmental delays, and brain damage.
📌 Fact: Without treatment, GBS meningitis can cause severe brain injury, long-term disabilities, or even death.
🚨 What Are the Symptoms of Neonatal Meningitis?
Newborns with meningitis may show subtle signs, making early diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include:
❌ High fever or low body temperature
❌ Poor feeding or vomiting
❌ Lethargy or extreme irritability
❌ Seizures (twitching, jerking movements)
❌ Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby’s head)
❌ Stiffness in the body or poor muscle tone
📌 Fact: If a newborn with GBS develops seizures or difficulty breathing, immediate medical intervention is required!
📌 Final Thoughts
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in newborns, often passed from mother to baby during birth. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are critical to preventing brain damage and improving survival rates.
