Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a predominant causative
pathogen of neonatal meningitis that is associated with a
high rate of mortality and morbidity. The establishment of
antenatal screening and intrapartum chemoprophylaxis has
led to a significant reduction in the incidence rate of invasive
GBS disease in developed countries. However, these
strategies are not routinely practiced in most developing
countries. To ensure good recovery of infants affected with
GBS, a prompt diagnostic strategy and appropriate therapy
are essential. We highlight here the case of a preterm male
infant diagnosed with early-onset of GBS meningitis
diagnosed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
method on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the infant.
Initially the pathogen was not isolated in both blood and CSF
cultures as sampling was performed after the administration
of antibiotics. Hence, PCR was a crucial diagnostic test in
facilitating the detection of the pathogen in CSF. We believe
that PCR is a potentially fast and precise diagnostic method
for infection in a newborn.