Group B Streptococcal Infections HF#5715

Group B Streptococcal Infections
 

What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

 

This is a bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies.  It can also affect older adults and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease.

 

Why do I need to know about it?

 

It is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.  Your health care provider can help prevent risk of GBS to your baby.  Pregnant women who carry GBS in their vagina or rectum risk passing GBS to their babies before or during birth.

 

How common is it?

 

GBS is the most common cause of blood infections, meningitis, and pneumonia in newborns.  Since we now have better ways to prevent and screen for GBS, fewer babies get GBS or die from it than in the past.

 

How can it affect my baby?

 

Most signs and symptoms of GBS are seen within hours after the birth.  These signs and symptoms may include fever, pneumonia, and meningitis.  This disease can also occur one week to many months after birth. Late-onset disease is rare.

 

How does it affect me?

 

GBS can cause health problems for pregnant women such as bladder and womb infections.  It may also cause stillbirth.  One of every four or five pregnant women carries GBS in their vagina or rectum.  Adults can carry GBS in the bowel, bladder, vagina, or throat.  Most people who carry GBS do not become sick.  Sometimes, you may carry it for a short time and not become a lifelong carrier.
 

How are pregnant women checked for GBS?

 

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) suggests getting a culture swab from the vagina and rectum of pregnant women between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy.  The CDC also suggests testing women who plan to have Cesarean births.  Pregnant women who have a positive culture or have a GBS bladder infection will  need to get antibiotics during labor.  This lowers the chance of GBS infection for the newborn.

 

If you have questions or concerns, please ask your nurse or doctor or call the clinic at (608) 265-7601, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 10/09/2009

Copyright © 10/09/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5715

Print Health Fact For You