Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of invasive neonatal disease in the industrialized world. We aimed to genomically and phenotypically characterise invasive GBS isolates in Slovenia from 2001 to 2018 and contemporary colonising GBS isolates from screening cultures in 2018. Methods: GBS isolates from 101 patients (invasive isolates) and 70 pregnant women (colonising isolates) were analysed. Basic clinical characteristics of the patients were collected from medical records. Antimicrobial susceptibility and phenotypic capsular serotype were determined. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to assign multilocus sequence types (STs), clonal complexes (CCs), pathogenicity/virulence factors, including capsular genotypes, and genome-based phylogeny. Results: Among invasive neonatal disease patients, 42.6% (n = 43) were females, 41.5% (n = 39/94) were from preterm deliveries (< 37 weeks gestation), and 41.6% (n = 42) had early-onset disease (EOD). All isolates were susceptible to benzylpenicillin with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs; ≤0.125 mg/L). Overall, 7 serotypes were identified (Ia, Ib, II-V and VIII); serotype III being the most prevalent (59.6%). Twenty-eight MLST STs were detected that clustered into 6 CCs. CC-17 was the most common CC overall (53.2%), as well as among invasive (67.3%) and non-invasive (32.9%) isolates (p < 0.001). CC-17 was more common among patients with late-onset disease (LOD) (81.4%) compared to EOD (47.6%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of other CCs was 12.9% (CC-23), 11.1% (CC-12), 10.5% (CC-1), 8.2% (CC-19), and 1.8% (CC-498). Of all isolates, 2.3% were singletons. Conclusions: A high prevalence of hypervirulent CC-17 isolates, with low genomic diversity and characteristic profile of pathogenicity/virulence factors, was detected among invasive neonatal and colonising GBS isolates from pregnant women in Slovenia. This is the first genomic characterisation of GBS isolates in Slovenia and provides valuable microbiological and genomic baseline data regarding the invasive and colonising GBS population nationally. Continuous genomic surveillance of GBS infections is crucial to analyse the impact of IND prevention strategies on the population structure of GBS locally, nationally, and internationally.

Lozar Krivec J, et al. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2023 Jan;26(1):70-77. https://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2023.26.1.70

Perinatal antibiotic exposure potentially leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). We aimed to investigate the effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation on the development of FGIDs, crying and sleep duration, and the gut microbial composition in infants exposed to antibiotics during the neonatal period. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we included 89 term neonates treated with antibiotics. Neonates received the study product for six weeks. FGIDs, assessed by the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire, crying and sleep duration were assessed at four and eight weeks, and six months after enrolment. Faecal samples were collected six weeks and twelve months after enrolment. The gut microbial community composition was analysed using 16S amplicon sequencing and qPCR. The proportion of infants with FGIDs was greater in the control group, although the difference between the groups was significant only six months after enrolment. At all time points, the probiotic group presented a longer sleep duration and shorter crying time than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Probiotic consumption had no significant effect on the gut microbiota composition except for increased L. reuteri DSM 17938 abundance in the probiotic group at six weeks after enrolment. At specific time points after supplementation with L. reuteri DSM 17938, a reduction in the prevalence of FGIDs was observed in the probiotic group. However, no observable effect on the gut microbiota was detected during the intervention. We believe that probiotic supplementation in neonates during and after antibiotic treatment to minimise the negative effects of antibiotics on gut function during this vulnerable period of human development warrants further investigation. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02865564)

Objective − We analysed the relationship between the lung ultrasound (LUS) score and clinical characteristics in order to evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of LUS in neonates and infants with acute bronchiolitis. Subjects and Methods − Term infants aged up to 3 months, admitted to Ljubljana University Children’s Hospital due to acute bronchiolitis in the period from January to April 2020, were studied prospectively. LUS score and clinical assessment score (CAS) were determined upon admission. The patients were divided into groups according to LUS score and CAS. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between the groups. Correlations between LUS score, duration of clinical signs prior to admission, CAS and partial carbon dioxide pressure in the capillary blood (PCO2) upon admission, length of hospitalization and duration of supplemental oxygen (O2) therapy were analysed. Additionally, the predictive value of LUS and CAS for the need of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) was calculated. Results − The LUS score correlated with the clinical severity of acute bronchiolitis. Patients with higher LUS score had higher CAS (P<0.001) and PCO2 upon admission (P=0.014), and needed O2 therapy for a longer time (P=0.023). These patients also required NRS (P=0.024) more often, were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (P=0.008), and had a chest X-ray performed (P<0.001). The LUS score correlated well with CAS (P<0.001, r=0.762). LUS score at admission underperformed to identify subsequent NRS treatment needs (AUC 0.76 (0.54-0.97), P=0.069) compared to CAS (AUC 0.85 (0.68-1.00), P=0.013). Conclusions − Larger studies are needed to evaluate the predictive and diagnostic value of LUS in neonates and young infants with acute bronchiolitis.

Background/Objectives: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common dermatological condition that is often exacerbated by antibiotics. Probiotics may restore microbiota balance and influence the incidence of DD. This study aimed to evaluate whether 6 weeks of Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation during and after antibiotic treatment affects the incidence of DD. Methods: A secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 89 term neonates treated with antibiotics during the first 3 weeks of life was conducted. Neonates were assigned to receive either a probiotic supplement or a placebo for a total of 6 weeks. DD incidence, onset of DD, and skin care data were collected for 87 infants. Faecal samples were collected 6 weeks after study enrolment to analyse the composition of gut microbiota. Results: Twenty-four (28%) infants developed DD, of whom six (25%) had fungal DD. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DD or fungal DD between the probiotic and placebo groups (30% vs. 25% and 7% in both groups, respectively). Probiotic supplementation had no significant effect on the gut microbiota composition or diversity. In an exploratory binary logistic regression analysis based on six fungal DD events, probiotic supplementation was not associated with fungal DD, whereas breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of fungal DD; however, the overall model was not statistically significant, and this finding should be interpreted with caution because of the small number of events. Conclusions: In this exploratory secondary analysis, supplementation with L. reuteri DSM 17938 was not associated with a reduced incidence of DD or alterations in gut microbiota composition in antibiotic-treated neonates. Breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of fungal DD; however, this finding should be confirmed in larger, adequately powered studies.

Myositis ossificans is characterized by heterotopic bone formation in skeletal muscle that may present as a tender, warm, palpable swelling, and mimicking soft tissue infection. We present the clinical and imaging evolution of the disease with a favorable outcome in a preterm baby with complicated postnatal course.