Final answer:
Risk factors for neonatal GBS and resulting meningitis often include premature birth, maternal fever, and maternal colonization with S. agalactiae, whereas maternal age, cesarean section, previous preterm birth, and breastfeeding are not direct risk factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk factors for neonatal Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection include the presence of S. agalactiae in the mother's urogenital tract, premature birth (before 37 weeks), and mothers developing a fever. These factors are particularly associated with the risk of early onset and late-onset neonatal meningitis. It's important to note that while maternal age, cesarean section, previous preterm birth, and breastfeeding are important factors in a neonate's overall health, they are not listed as direct risk factors for neonatal GBS infection.
Early onset neonatal meningitis can occur when the infant becomes infected by S. agalactiae during childbirth, if the bacteria is present in the mother's vagina. On the other hand, late-onset neonatal meningitis is associated with other sources of infection as well, and the exact source is often unknown. Risk factors for neonatal GBS include premature birth, the mother having a fever during birth, and her being a carrier of S. agalactiae.