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What is Group B Streptococcus?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  What is Group B Streptococcus?
           Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can be found in the vagina and lower intestine of a healthy woman.  Many women are unaware they even have GBS bacteria present in their bodies as it is part of the normal bacteria found in the human body and does not usually cause any problems.  When a woman carries GBS bacteria but does not become sick, she is said to be colonized with GBS.  However, it can at times cause serious infection for a newborn when the bacteria is passed onto the baby during childbirth.

 		   

  Implications for a newborn
           GBS is the number one cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.  When the GBS bacteria is passed onto a newborn, this is referred to as GBS disease.  GBS disease can lead to sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and possibly long-term medical issues including cerebral palsy.  Sepsis is an infection in the bloodstream whereas meningitis is an infection in the lining and fluid that surrounds the brain.  GBS disease usually occurs in infants during their first week of life but can occur as late as a couple months after they are born.

 		   

  Risk factors
           Some women may be at a higher risk than others of giving birth to a baby with GBS disease.  Pregnant women who have experienced at least one of the following conditions are at a greater risk.
  • Women who have previously given birth to a baby with GBS.
  • Women who have a urinary tract infection caused by GBS.
  • Women who become colonized with GBS late in pregnancy (35-37 weeks gestation).
  • Women who develop a fever during labor.
  • Women who break their water 18 hours or more prior to delivery.
  • Women who begin labor or who break their water prior to 37 weeks gestation.

 		   

  Testing for Group B Streptococcus
           It is recommended that all pregnant women be tested for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.  The test requires that a sample culture be taken from a woman's vagina and rectum.  A positive test result does not mean that a woman has been diagnosed with GBS disease nor does it mean that her baby will become infected.  A positive test result indicates to the prenatal doctor how the labor and delivery of the infant will be handled.  Additionally, women who are diagnosed with GBS should also provide that information to the hospital staff when they go into labor.  Women who test positive for GBS or have previously given birth to a baby with GBS are administered antibiotics during labor to help prevent the transmission of the bacteria to the infant.  Take the time to talk to your regular prenatal doctor about any additional questions or concerns you may have about Group B Streptococcus.

 		   

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