Understanding Group B Streptococcus: causes, symptoms, and prevention
- Article reading time: 5 minutes
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterial infection that can affect babies during childbirth or in the first few months of life. If left untreated, GBS can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection called sepsis. However, with proper testing and treatment, this infection is preventable.
What causes Group B Streptococcus?
Group B Streptococcus bacteria naturally live in the intestines and genital tract, including the vagina. About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry these bacteria without any symptoms. While GBS is generally harmless for adults, it can be dangerous for newborns during childbirth.
How do babies get Group B Streptococcus?
If the mother carries the bacteria, babies can become infected with GBS during vaginal delivery. The risk of infection is higher in the following cases:
- Preterm labor (before 37 weeks)
- Prolonged rupture of membranes (water breaking 18 hours or more before delivery)
- Infection of the amniotic fluid or placenta
- Previous baby infected with GBS
- Maternal fever above 38°C (100.4°F) during labor
Babies can develop two types of GBS infections.
Early-onset: Begins within the first week of life and occurs during childbirth.
Late-onset: Begins one week to several months after birth and is likely acquired at home or in the community.
Symptoms of Group B Streptococcus in newborns
Babies with GBS may show the following symptoms:
– Fever
– Abnormal breathing (rapid, slow, or labored)
– Difficulty feeding
– Extreme fatigue
– Irritability
– Bluish skin color
If left untreated, GBS can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. These conditions can be life-threatening and may cause long-term issues such as hearing loss, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, or seizures.
Diagnosis of Group B Streptococcus
Pregnant women are usually tested for GBS between weeks 35 and 37 of pregnancy. The doctor collects samples from the vagina and rectum and sends them to a laboratory for analysis. A positive result indicates the presence of GBS bacteria.
If a newborn shows signs of GBS infection, doctors may take a sample of the baby’s blood or spinal fluid for testing. A chest X-ray can also help diagnose the infection.
Treatment of Group B Streptococcus
If a pregnant woman’s GBS test is positive, antibiotics are given during labor to prevent transmission of the infection to the newborn.
Infants with GBS infection may require intravenous antibiotics, fluids, oxygen, and other supportive treatments to manage symptoms.
Prevention of Group B Streptococcus infection
While researchers are working on a vaccine to protect mothers and babies against GBS, it is not yet available. The most effective way to prevent early-onset GBS infection is to administer antibiotics during labor to mothers who test positive for the bacteria.
It is important to note that antibiotics given during labor do not prevent late-onset GBS infections. Parents should watch for any symptoms of GBS in their newborn, especially during the first three months of life.
By understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods of Group B Streptococcus, expectant parents can work with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for their babies.
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