Neonatal mouse model of group B streptococcal infection.

Neonatal mice were infected with type III group B streptococcal (GBS) strain M781 by the intraperitoneal route. Age-related susceptibility to challenge was seen within the first 5 days of life. Quantitative blood cultures demonstrated a rapid increase in bacterial numbers during the first 30 h after challenge. Infected pups showed clinical signs of septicemia, and most succumbed within 48 h of challenge. Histopathologic evaluation of the neonates showed bacterial infection within 1 day after challenge. Pregnant adult mice were given a single inoculation of serum raised in rabbits against a tetanus toxoid-conjugated type III GBS polysaccharide vaccine. This serum passively protected 100% of the offspring. This neonatal mouse model of GBS infection and protection may be suitable for study of various forms of intervention.