What is a common cause of neonatal meningitis?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is recognized as one of the most common causes of neonatal meningitis, particularly within the first week of life. This pathogen is typically part of the normal flora in the maternal genital tract, and during delivery, infants can be exposed to it, leading to potential infections.

Neonates are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their immature immune systems, making GBS a significant concern. Early-onset GBS disease typically manifests within the first few days of birth and can present as sepsis or meningitis. Prevention strategies, such as screening pregnant women for GBS colonization and administering prophylactic antibiotics during labor for those who are colonized, have been effective in reducing the incidence of this critical infection in newborns.

Although other pathogens can cause neonatal meningitis, GBS is especially prominent in this context due to its high prevalence in the perinatal period and its significant impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality.