Serial Clustering of Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Infections in the Neonatal Unit: A Genomic Re-evaluation of Causality

9/28/2018

Presented by Elita Jauneikaite, PhD

Measurable Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to…
1. Introduce learners to the use of whole genome sequencing to investigate community- and healthcare-associated infections.
2. Familiarise learners with GBS serotypes and common antimicrobial resistance patterns in neonatal GBS infections.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Elita Jauneikaite, PhD
Dr. Elita Jauneikaite is an Imperial College Research Fellow in bacterial genomic epidemiology and evolution of human pathogens. She is investigating the transmission, evolution and antimicrobial resistance patterns in disease-causing bacteria such as Group B streptococci and what impact these bacterial traits have on the global infectious disease burden.

Marti Perhach

10/16/2018 09:43:46 am

Thank you, Dr. Jaunekaite, for you and your team's investigative work. Would it be theoretically possible for there to be nosocomial transfer of GBS due to handling of a stillborn baby, especially before cause of stillbirth is known?

Elita Jauneikaite

10/30/2018 07:46:17 am

Dear Marti,

Thank you very much for your question. My sincere apologies for the delayed reply (I was travelling for work and just now got a chance to check this).

Currently it is not clear exactly how GBS can spread in the nosocomial setting and what are all of the potential routes of transmission in this setting. The more common route is the baby is colonised by GBS from mother during the vaginal birth, however, as we found in the study, presented here, that might be not always the case. Unfortunately, we were unable to test staff or other patients, or visitors for their GBS carriage state, so is it hard to make conclusions on what potential transmission scenarios are possible. I believe, that there are some studies underway to try to identify what potential routes can feature in these settings and what can be done to reduce transmission.

Kind regards,
Elita

Amanda Caldwell

10/16/2018 10:25:07 am

Do you know how long GBS can live on objects? Also, what would be the best way to clean objects that may have been in contact with GBS? Would soap and water be sufficient?

Elita Jauneikaite

10/30/2018 08:01:13 am

Dear Amanda,

Thank you very much for your question and please accept my sincere apologies for a delay in replying.

Primarily, Group B streptococci are colonising the gut as well as urogenital tract, and one of the transmission routes would be via unwashed/poorly- washed hands. There is a possibility of GBS being present on objects as they got transferred from, e.g. unwashed hands, but at the moment I do not know how long GBS would be able to survive in the environment or on objects (this might depend, also, defer based on the material that the object was made of), hence, I would not be able to recommend what is the best way to clean the objects that could have potentially come in to the contact with GBS. In healthcare settings, regular cleaning practices are set up to get rid of bacteria, but to know for certain what is best practice for which bacteria – the best option is to follow recommendations and guidelines by the local hospital infection control and prevention team.

Kind regards,
Elita

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