What is one potential sign of late onset GBS infection in infants?

One potential sign of late-onset group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in infants is pneumonia. Late-onset GBS infection typically occurs in infants over seven days old and can present with a variety of symptoms. Pneumonia in these infants may manifest as respiratory distress, coughing, tachypnea, or abnormal respiratory sounds, indicating that the infection is affecting the respiratory system.

Pneumonia as a sign of a GBS infection makes sense in the context of the pathogen's ability to disseminate through the bloodstream, potentially leading to localized infections such as pneumonia or meningitis. Early recognition and treatment of pneumonia associated with GBS are critical, as they can significantly influence outcomes for affected infants.

The other potential signs listed—severe abdominal pain, skin rash, and vomiting—may arise in different contexts but are not specifically associated with late-onset GBS infections. Severe abdominal pain is more common in gastrointestinal conditions, a skin rash may indicate other infections or conditions, and vomiting can occur for many reasons but is not a hallmark of late GBS infection. Understanding the specific signs of late-onset GBS can aid in prompt identification and treatment, improving the prognosis for affected infants.