While many are familiar with group A streptococcus, which is known for causing strep throat and skin infections, group B strep poses a different kind of risk, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
Here’s a quick look into this condition.
What is group B strep?
Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae, which naturally resides in the human body, specifically in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts for both men and women.
While it’s often harmless in adults, it can become problematic during pregnancy, as it poses a risk of transmission to the newborn during childbirth. The exact reason why some people carry GBS without symptoms while others develop serious infections is not fully understood, which is why routine screening and preventive measures for pregnant women to protect newborns from infection.
How is group B strep transmitted?
The most common way newborns are exposed to group B strep is through childbirth.
As the baby moves through the birth canal, they can come into direct contact with GBS bacteria present in the mother’s genital tract.
However, it’s also possible for GBS to be transmitted to the baby before labor begins. Even without active contractions or delivery, the bacteria can travel through the mother’s genital tract and reach the baby.
In adults, GBS may be passed from one person to another through direct contact, for example:
- Hand-holding
- Kissing
- Close physical contact
As GBS bacteria are often found in the vagina and rectum, they can also be passed on during sex.
Why is group B strep a concern in newborns?
Your newborn’s immune system isn’t fully developed so they’re vulnerable to infections.
If passed from the mother during childbirth, GBS can cause serious illnesses like:
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
These infections can appear very quickly, sometimes within hours of birth, and can lead to long-term health problems or even death in severe cases.
Testing for group B strep
Testing for group B strep is recommended for all pregnant women during their third trimester, particularly between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, to identify if they are carrying the bacteria.
It’s even more crucial if you have certain risk factors, such as:
- A previous GBS infection
- Preterm labor
- Other complications
How is group B strep testing performed?
If you’re pregnant, your healthcare provider will take swabs from your vagina and rectum during your prenatal visit. Once the samples are collected, they are sent to a lab where they are checked for the presence of GBS.
How do you treat group B strep?
The main treatment for GBS in pregnant women is antibiotics, usually penicillin, which the healthcare provider will administer intravenously during labor if you test positive for the bacteria. This helps ensure that the medication works quickly and effectively to reduce the risk of passing the bacteria to your newborn.
If a newborn does contract GBS, IV antibiotics are also used to treat the infection and prevent serious conditions like:
- Sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
Early and aggressive treatment with antibiotics helps to manage the infection and significantly lowers the risk of severe complications.
In some cases, as a preventive measure, antibiotics may also be given to newborns who are at high risk of GBS infection even if they haven’t shown symptoms. This combined approach—treating the mother during labor and addressing potential infections in newborns—provides the best protection against GBS-related complications.
What are the long-term effects of group B strep infection in newborns?
GBS infections in newborns can have serious long-term consequences, particularly if the infection is not detected and treated early. When GBS leads to severe conditions shortly after birth, it can result in lasting damage to the baby’s health.
These complications may lead to irreversible effects, which may include any of the following:
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
- Developmental delays
- Learning difficulties
Not only does GBS pose a risk to newborns, but it can also cause complications for mothers, such as urinary tract infections or womb infections after delivery. In rare cases, GBS may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Frequently asked questions
What is group B streptococcus?
Group B streptococcus (GBS) refers to a type of bacterial infection found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts of humans. This bacterium can cause serious illness in newborns, pregnant women and adults with certain chronic conditions.
How does group B streptococcus affect newborns?
Newborns can contract group B streptococcus during delivery if the mother carries the bacterium in her reproductive tract. This exposure can lead to pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis in infants, all of which pose significant health risks shortly after birth.
What are the symptoms of group B strep in adults?
In adults, group B strep can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections and pneumonia. Symptoms vary based on the infection site but often include fever, chills, and localized pain or discomfort.
How is group B streptococcus diagnosed?
Diagnosis of group B streptococcus involves culturing a sample from the site of infection, such as urine, blood or swabs from the throat or reproductive tract. In general, pregnant women are screened for GBS during the third trimester.
What treatments are available for group B strep infections?
For pregnant women carrying GBS, antibiotics are administered during labor to prevent transmission to the newborn.
Key takeaway
Group B streptococcus is a common bacterium that can pose serious risks to newborns. This can lead to life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. To prevent this, early detection through prenatal screening and the timely administration of antibiotics during labor can significantly reduce the likelihood of transmission from mother to baby.
