Group B Strep Disease

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that's quite common. It's often found in the intestines or lower part of the reproductive system. Usually, it doesn't cause any problems in healthy adults.

However, GBS can be very serious for newborns. It can lead to a dangerous illness called Group B Strep disease in babies. This is why it's important to be aware of it during pregnancy.

GBS can also cause infections in adults with certain health problems, like diabetes or liver disease. Older adults are also more vulnerable to GBS infections.

For most healthy adults, there's no need for special action regarding GBS. But if you're pregnant, it's important to get a GBS screening test during your third trimester of pregnancy. This test checks for the presence of GBS bacteria. If the test shows you have GBS, taking antibiotics during labor can greatly reduce the risk of your baby getting sick from GBS. This is a standard practice now to protect newborns.

Newborn Babies and Group B Strep

Many babies born to mothers who have group B strep (GBS) are perfectly healthy. However, a small number of babies can get sick with GBS. This infection can happen in different ways and at different times.

GBS infection in newborns can appear in two forms:

• Early-onset GBS: This happens within the first six hours after birth.
• Late-onset GBS: This happens weeks or even months after birth.

If a baby gets sick with GBS, there are several possible signs and symptoms:

• Fever: A higher-than-normal body temperature.
• Low body temperature (hypothermia): A lower-than-normal body temperature.
• Feeding difficulties: Problems with eating or nursing.
• Lethargy or weakness: The baby might seem sluggish, limp, or have weak muscles.
• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing, such as fast or labored breathing.
• Irritability: The baby might be fussy or upset more than usual.
• Tremors (jitteriness): The baby might shake or tremble.
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled jerking movements.
• Skin rash: A change in the appearance of the skin.
• Jaundice: A yellowish coloring of the skin and eyes.

These are just some of the possible signs. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, it's important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor can properly diagnose the cause of the problem and provide the best care.

If you or your baby have any signs or symptoms of Group B Strep (GBS), get medical help right away. This is especially important if you are pregnant, have a long-term health problem, or are 65 or older. Symptoms of GBS can vary, but might include fever, chills, muscle aches, or a general feeling of illness. In babies, GBS symptoms can be more subtle, such as difficulty breathing, feeding problems, or lethargy.

If you notice any of these signs in your infant, call your baby's doctor immediately. Prompt medical attention is crucial for treating GBS in both adults and babies.

Many healthy people have group B strep bacteria living in their bodies. This bacteria can be present temporarily, meaning it comes and goes, or it might always be there. It's important to know that group B strep is not spread through sex, food, or water. Scientists don't fully understand how the bacteria spreads from one person to another, except for one significant way:

Babies can get group B strep during birth. If a baby is exposed to fluids, like the mother's vaginal fluids, containing group B strep bacteria during labor, the baby might swallow some of those fluids. This can lead to an infection in the baby.

Babies can be more likely to get a serious infection called group B strep (GBS). This happens if:

• The mother has GBS bacteria: If a pregnant woman carries the GBS bacteria, her baby might get infected. This bacteria is common, and many women carry it without any problems. But if the baby is exposed during delivery, it can be a problem.

• The baby is born early: Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are more vulnerable to infections. Their immune systems might not be fully developed yet to fight off GBS.

• The mother's water breaks a long time before delivery: If the amniotic sac (the bag of water surrounding the baby) breaks more than 18 hours before the baby is born, the risk of GBS infection increases. This is because bacteria can easily reach the baby.

• The mother has an infection in the tissues around the baby: Sometimes, the tissues surrounding the baby (the placenta and amniotic fluid) become infected during pregnancy. This condition, called chorioamnionitis, can raise the risk of GBS infection in the baby.

• The mother has a urinary tract infection (UTI): A urinary tract infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of GBS in the baby. This is because UTIs can be a sign of general infection that can spread.

• The mother has a high fever during labor: If a pregnant woman has a fever (temperature over 100.4°F / 38°C) while going into labor, it can increase the risk of GBS in the baby. A fever is a sign the body is fighting an infection.

• A previous baby had GBS: If a woman has previously had a baby with GBS, it's more likely that her next baby will also be at risk. This is because GBS can be passed from mother to baby.

It's important to note that these are risk factors. Not all babies exposed to GBS will get sick. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about GBS and if you are at higher risk. Testing and treatment can help protect your baby.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness in different people. It's important to understand how it affects various age groups and health conditions.

Newborns (infants): GBS can be very dangerous for newborns. It can lead to severe illnesses like:

• Pneumonia: This is an infection of the lungs.
• Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Bacteremia: This is a bloodstream infection, where the bacteria spread throughout the body.

Pregnant women: During pregnancy, GBS can cause several problems. These include:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection in the urinary system.
• Chorioamnionitis: An infection of the placenta and the fluid surrounding the baby. This can be dangerous for both the mother and the developing baby.
• Endometritis: This is an infection in the lining of the uterus.
• Bacteremia: Just like in newborns, GBS can spread through the bloodstream in pregnant women.

Older adults and people with chronic health conditions: GBS can also cause problems in older adults and people with existing health issues. The bacteria can lead to:

• Skin infections: These can range from simple skin sores to more serious infections.
• Bacteremia (bloodstream infection): As mentioned before, GBS can spread through the bloodstream.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These can be especially problematic for older adults.
• Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs.
• Bone and joint infections: GBS can affect the bones and joints, causing pain and inflammation.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves.
• Meningitis: An inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

It's crucial to note that while GBS can cause these conditions, not everyone infected will develop severe illness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing GBS infections effectively.

During your pregnancy, a routine screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is usually done between weeks 36 and 37. Your doctor will take a sample from your vagina and rectum. This is sent to a lab for testing.

A positive test result means you have GBS. This doesn't mean you are sick, or that your baby will get sick. It just means you have bacteria that could potentially be passed to your baby during delivery.

To prevent this, if you test positive, your doctor may give you an antibiotic intravenously (through a vein) when labor starts. Penicillin is often used, but other similar antibiotics are also possible.

If you are allergic to penicillin, or if penicillin isn't effective, your doctor might use clindamycin or vancomycin. However, the effectiveness of these alternatives isn't as well understood, so your baby will be closely watched for up to 48 hours after birth.

Taking antibiotics before labor starts won't help. The GBS bacteria can return before labor begins.

Antibiotics during labor are also a good idea if:

• You have a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy.
• You had a previous baby who got sick from GBS.
• You develop a fever during labor.
• Your water breaks and you haven't gone into labor within 18 hours.
• You go into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy and haven't been tested for GBS.

These steps help protect your baby from possible GBS infection.

If a doctor is concerned that your newborn might have Group B Streptococcus (GBS), they will likely take a sample of your baby's blood or spinal fluid. This sample is sent to a lab to check for the bacteria.

If your baby seems unwell, additional tests could be done. These might include:

• Urine test (culture): This test checks for bacteria in the urine.
• Lumbar puncture: This is a procedure where a needle is used to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It's done to look for infection in the central nervous system.
• Chest X-ray: This is an image of the chest that can help doctors see if there's an infection in the lungs.

For adults, if a doctor thinks someone has an infection, a blood test can help determine if it's caused by GBS. Knowing the cause is crucial for choosing the right treatment.