Group B streptococcus bacteria, also called Group B strep, is a type of bacterium that exists in the digestive tract and genital tract of many healthy adults. It can cause disease in newborns, who do not have fully developed immune systems yet, and in adults with compromised immune systems.
The most common symptoms of Group B strep in infants include:
Most infants born to women who carry Group B strep are perfectly healthy. However, a few may become infected in the birthing process and later become very sick. They can present with Group B strep as early as hours after birth or as late as months after birth.
Group B strep can cause a few different diseases in adults, including:
Many adults carry Group B strep as part of the assortment of bacteria that lives in the gut and the genital tract. In some rare cases, however, it may cause a urinary tract infection or even more serious infections.
A Group B strep infection is caused by the Group B streptococcus bacterium. Group B strep cannot be transmitted sexually or by food or water. It is known that newborns can get it from their mothers during labour and delivery, but other modes of transmission are not understood.
Risk factors for infants include
Risk factors for adults include being above the age of 65 and having diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, a history of cancer, or having an HIV positive diagnosis.
If your healthcare provider thinks your baby may have Group B strep after birth, they will take a blood sample or spinal fluid and send it to a laboratory to confirm the presence of Group B strep.
Other tests may be performed if an infant appears sick, like an X-ray or urine testing.
Adults who present with one of the diseases that Group B strep can cause will have a blood test done to confirm if that is the cause.
Complications of Group B strep in infants include pneumonia, meningitis, and an infection of the blood. Pregnant women may experience urinary tract infections, infection of the placenta or the lining of the uterus, or a blood infection.
Complications that older adults can experience include a skin infection, blood infection, infections of the heart valves, and meningitis.
No matter what age you are, it’s important to receive treatment for a potential Group B strep infection as soon as possible to limit complications.
Infants will be treated for Group B strep with antibiotics given intravenously, potentially with supportive oxygen therapy. Adults, including pregnant women, can be effectively and safely treated with antibiotics. It is recommended that pregnant women receive screening for the presence of Group B strep in the third trimester so that they can start on preventative antibiotics if necessary.