Recurrent Group B Streptococcus Neonatal Invasive Infections, France, 2007-2021

Recurrence is a rare complication of group B Streptococcus (GBS) neonatal infections. We conducted a retrospective observational study on GBS neonatal invasive infections in France from 2007 to 2021. A total of 1527 cases were reported, of which 36 (2.36%) were recurrent. Recurrence mainly concerned preterm (68%) and low-birth-weight (72%) infants and was associated with the hypervirulent GBS clonal complex 17 (83%; odds ratio, 2.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.18-6.92]). No β-lactam-tolerant strains were identified, and bacterial whole-genome sequencing could not reveal any specific feature associated with recurrence. Large-cohort studies should be undertaken to address the optimal management of these uncommon diseases.