The distinction has clinical relevance, as EOS disease is
mainly due to bacteria acquired before and during delivery,
and LOS disease to bacteria acquired after delivery (nosocomial
or community sources). In the literature, however,
there is little consensus as to what age limits apply, with EOS
ranging from 48 hours to 6 days after delivery. This makes it
difficult to compare studies where cases are grouped into
EOS and LOS without further details. Those studies using
longer definitions will incorporate a larger proportion of cases
where the organism is acquired horizontally, from nosocomial
or community sources, rather than as a result of vertical
transmission. Different practices of care can therefore impact
on these rates—for example, hospitals with early discharge
policies may expose infants to community infections, and