Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are the most common causative agents of perianal streptococcal dermatitis (PSD). This study evaluates the distribution of BHS isolates in perianal bacterial cultures. We retrospectively reviewed microbiological results for perianal BHS that were isolated in our laboratory between 2006 and 2015. We identified a total of 105 BHS isolates from rectal swabs and swabs of clinically intact perianal skin. The majority of BHS were of group A (GABHS) (73/105; 69.5%), followed by group B BHS (GBBHS) (27/105; 25.7%), and non-group A or B BHS (5/105; 4.8%). The distribution of GABHS was age-specific, with the majority of GABHS obtained from young children. All BHS isolates were susceptible to penicillin. GABHS were universally susceptible to clindamycin, whereas 1.4% were resistant to erythromycin. GBBHS were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin in 14.8% and 7.4% of cases. In addition, we wanted to emphasize the importance of correct diagnosis of PSD. Hence, we provide a review of protocols that can decrease the time to diagnosis and treatment of PSD, reduce patients' discomfort, and prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

Background: Information on the etiology of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in children in Europe and the influence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on clinical presentation of LNB in children are limited. Methods: The study was monocentric. During its 17-year period, children younger than 15 years with presentation suggestive of LNB or confirmed Lyme borreliosis that had B. burgdorferi sensu lato isolated from CSF and had species of B. burgdorferi sensu lato identified by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were included. Demographic and medical data were compared for children infected with Borrelia garinii to those infected with Borrelia afzelii. Results: One hundred and fifty-three children had B. burgdorferi sensu lato isolated from CSF. In 71/113 (62.8%) and 42/113 (37.2%) patients, B. garinii and B. afzelii, respectively, were identified. Patients infected with B. garinii did not report symptoms suggestive of central nervous system (CNS) involvement or any other symptoms more often than patients infected with B. afzelii. Compared with children infected with B. afzelii, children infected with B. garinii had erythema migrans less often (18.3% vs. 45.2%) but had positive meningeal signs (69.0% vs. 38.1%), CSF lymphocytic predominance (97.1% vs. 75.0%), and elevated albumin CSF/serum quotient (80.6% vs. 50.0%) more often. Conclusions: In Slovenia, LNB in children is more often caused by B. garinii, followed by B. afzelii. The clinical picture of LNB in children caused by B. garinii is not more often suggestive of CNS involvement, but CNS inflammation is more pronounced in children infected with B. garinii, compared with children infected with B. afzelii.

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) is the leading cause of invasive neonatal infections in the developed world. We present epidemiological and clinical characteristics of invasive GBS disease among Slovenian neonates between 2003 and 2013.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. Children aged 0–90 days with invasive GBS disease, born in Slovenia and hospitalized in the University Medical Centre Ljubljana were included. Cases were identified concurrently from (i) hospital and (ii) microbiological databases. Medical records from mothers and children were reviewed and relevant data extracted. The incidence rate was calculated based on the national vital statistics data and expressed per 1000 live births.Results: Altogether, 144 children were included in the analysis, 72.9 % (n = 105) based on hospital database and 27.1 % (n = 39) based on microbiological database. Among them, 47.9 % (n = 69) were girls and 52.1 % (n = 75) boys. Among the cases with available data, 54.5 % (n = 73) were born at term and 45.5 % (n = 61) were preterm. Early-onset disease (0–6 days) was present in 74.3 % (n = 107) of patients; 95.3 % (n = 102) of them became ill during the first 3 days of life. Late-onset disease (7–90 days) was present in 25.7 % (n = 37) of patients. Outcome data was available for 134 children. Neonatal mortality rate was 4.5 % (n = 6). Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) or intraventricular haemorrhages Grade III/IV (IVH 3/4) were detected in 17.9 % (n = 24). Severe outcomes (death or PVL or IVH 3/4) were detected in 22.4 % (n = 30) children. Cumulative incidence rate was 0.72/1000 live births; 0.53/1000 for early-onset and 0.18/1000 for late-onset disease. Risk factors for early-onset disease were present in 47.9 % (n = 68) mothers in labour. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis was delivered to 16.9 % (n = 24) of mothers.Conclusions: High incidence of invasive neonatal GBS disease was detected in Slovenia. Although low mortality was observed, brain pathology concordant with long-term adverse outcome was confirmed in a high proportion of patients. The application of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in cases of known risk factors was suboptimal, especially among preterm deliveries. Approximately half of the patients were born to mothers without any risk factors. A comprehensive national strategy for the prevention of invasive GBS disease is warranted in Slovenia.

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Objective -To describe the clinical course of enteroviral meningitis in neonates in a tertiary neonatal unit. Materials and Methods -We analysed maternal and perinatal history, clinical and laboratory data, therapy and short-term outcomes in neonates who had enterovirus detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and compared the group of neonates with early-onset (≤7 day of life (DOL)) meningitis to the group of neonates with late-onset (>7 DOL) meningitis. Results -A total of 30 term neonates were included (63% male). Majority (73%) presented during the summer and autumn months, 57% were in contact with siblings who had signs of viral disease, 10% of mothers had signs of viral disease at delivery or shortly after. Neonates presented with irritability (97%), fever (83%), feeding intolerance (66%), diarrhoea (56%), nonspecific rash (23%), seizures (10%). Both the C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-calcitonin (PCT) were elevated in 23% of patients; only CRP was elevated in 57%, only PCT in 37%. Twelve (40%) had elevated leukocyte count in the CSF. Antibiotics were initiated in 80% (median treatment 1.5 days). Majority of the neonates with early-onset meningitis had jaundice, higher urea and creatinine serum concentration, and lower thrombocyte numbers. Conclusion -Enteroviruses are an important cause of meningitis in neonates during summer and autumn months. Neonates in close contact with ill family members or carers are particularly at risk. Neonates present with fever, irritability, feeding intolerance, diarrhoea, normal or mildly elevated CRP and/or PCT values. Neonates with early-onset meningitis had a similar grade of infection and outcome as did the neonates with late-onset disease. Our findings confirm that enteroviral meningitis carries a good prognosis in the majority of neonates.