What is a common pathogen associated with early onset neonatal sepsis?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is indeed a common pathogen associated with early onset neonatal sepsis. This bacteria can be found in the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina of healthy women, and during delivery, it can be transmitted to the newborn. The presence of GBS in the mother's genital tract is a significant risk factor for early onset sepsis, which typically occurs within the first week of life.

The clinical implications of GBS are critical, as the infection can lead to serious complications in newborns, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. This is why prophylactic measures, such as intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for pregnant women in certain risk categories, are often recommended to prevent transmission to the newborn.

In contrast, other pathogens listed may be associated with neonatal infections, but their emphasis varies depending on the timing and nature of the sepsis. For instance, Streptococcus pneumoniae is more commonly linked to later onset infections, while Escherichia coli can also cause sepsis more frequently in preterm infants but is not as predominant as GBS in early onset cases. Staphylococcus aureus, while causing serious infections in neonates, is more often implicated in healthcare-associated or