Dear Rabia and colleagues,
Thank you for this thoughtful summary. I particularly agree with the point that our responsibility should not end once the infection has been treated successfully.
I am a Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester (UK), and over the past few years I have had the privilege of interviewing parents and caregivers whose infants experienced late-onset Group B Strep infection. One consistent message from these conversations is that the impact of late-onset GBS extends far beyond the acute illness itself.
Families described feeling profoundly unprepared for their infant's sudden deterioration, often because they had never been informed that late-onset GBS could occur after leaving maternity services or what symptoms should prompt urgent medical assessment. Parents also described uncertainty surrounding diagnosis, prognosis and longer-term consequences, and many continued to experience significant psychological distress months or even years after the infection, including after infants had made a full physical recovery.
These experiences reinforce the importance of viewing GBS as more than an acute infectious disease. Alongside efforts to improve prevention, early recognition and treatment, we also need clear, family-centred communication throughout pregnancy, acute care and discharge, together with ongoing psychological and practical support that reflects families' changing needs over time. This includes support for fathers, wider caregivers and future pregnancies, which are often overlooked.
Our qualitative study is under review, and I hope it will contribute further evidence to these important discussions once published.
Thank you again for facilitating such a valuable conversation.
Best wishes,
Stephanie Lyons
Lecturer in Health Psychology
The University of Manchester
Dr Stephanie Lyons
Lecturer in Health Psychology I NIHR Research Support Service Advisor
Email: stephanie.lyons@manchester.ac.uk
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CHIFA profile: Stephanie Lyons is a Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester, England. Professional interests: Supporting families to understand the risks and signs of GBS infections, to seek medical support appropriately when needed, and to recover after GBS infections. stephanie.lyons AT manchester.ac.uk