Neonatale sepsis? Denk ook aan een virale etiologie! Perinatale enterovirusinfecties

Two patients with neonatal sepsis are described. Viral cultures showed echovirus type 11 infection and coxsackievirus type 63 meningitis respectively. These nonpolio enteroviral infections are more common in summer and fall than group B β-hemolytic streptococcus and Escherichia coli as causes of neonatal sepsis. In a literature review we focus on the pathogenesis, clinical presentations and diagnosis of these perinatal infections. We emphasize the importance of a good maternal history. Both bacterial and viral cultures should be taken in cases of neonatal sepsis. Some prophylactic and therapeutic options are discussed.