What is Group B Strep? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Group B Strep (GBS) is a common type of bacteria that naturally lives in many people's bodies without causing any problems. About 1 in 4 adults carry this bacteria in their intestines or genital area, and most never know it's there because it typically doesn't make them sick.

Think of GBS as a normally harmless bacteria that becomes concerning mainly during pregnancy and childbirth. While it's generally not dangerous for healthy adults, it can pose risks to newborn babies if passed from mother to child during delivery.

What is Group B Strep?

Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria scientifically called Streptococcus agalactiae. It's completely different from Group A Strep, which causes strep throat.

This bacteria naturally lives in your digestive tract and genital area as part of your normal body flora. It comes and goes on its own, and you can test positive one day and negative the next. For most healthy adults, GBS causes no symptoms and requires no treatment.

The main concern with GBS happens during pregnancy. If you're carrying GBS when you give birth, there's a small chance you could pass it to your baby during delivery, which can lead to serious infections in newborns.

What are the symptoms of Group B Strep?

Most adults with GBS have absolutely no symptoms at all. The bacteria simply lives quietly in your body without causing any noticeable problems or discomfort.

However, GBS can occasionally cause infections in certain situations. Here are the symptoms you might experience if GBS does cause an infection:

Common symptoms in adults include:

• Urinary tract infection symptoms like burning during urination or frequent urination
• Fever and chills
• Pain or burning during urination
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain in women

More serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• High fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• Confusion or difficulty staying alert

These more severe symptoms are rare but can indicate a serious infection that needs prompt treatment. If you experience any of these, it's important to seek medical care right away.

What causes Group B Strep?

Group B Strep isn't something you "catch" from someone else in the traditional sense. This bacteria naturally exists in the environment and in many people's bodies as part of their normal bacterial community.

You can acquire GBS through normal everyday activities. The bacteria can enter your body through your digestive system from food, water, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It can also be present in your genital area as part of your natural bacterial balance.

Several factors can influence whether you carry GBS:

• Normal bacterial changes in your body over time
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Changes in your immune system
• Sexual activity, though it's not considered a sexually transmitted infection
• Previous antibiotic use, which can alter your normal bacterial balance

It's important to understand that carrying GBS doesn't mean you did anything wrong. This bacteria comes and goes naturally, and many healthy people carry it without ever having problems.

When to see a doctor for Group B Strep?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you're experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection or any signs of infection, especially if you're pregnant.

Here's when you should definitely seek medical attention:

• If you're pregnant and have any signs of infection like fever, chills, or burning during urination
• If you have diabetes and develop any infection symptoms
• If you have a weakened immune system and notice any unusual symptoms
• If you're experiencing severe symptoms like high fever, severe pain, or confusion
• If you're over 65 and develop any infection symptoms

For pregnant women, routine GBS testing is a standard part of prenatal care between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This isn't because you're sick, but because it helps your doctor plan the safest delivery for you and your baby.

What are the risk factors for Group B Strep?

While anyone can carry GBS, certain factors can increase your risk of developing an infection or having complications from the bacteria.

Common risk factors include:

• Being pregnant (especially near delivery)
• Being over 65 years old
• Having diabetes
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having chronic medical conditions like heart disease or liver disease
• Recent surgery or medical procedures

Additional risk factors that are less common but important:

• Having cancer or undergoing cancer treatment
• Taking medications that suppress your immune system
• Having HIV or AIDS
• Being in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Having had a previous GBS infection

Having these risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop a GBS infection. They simply mean your doctor might want to monitor you more closely or take extra precautions if you do carry the bacteria.

What are the possible complications of Group B Strep?

For most healthy adults, GBS rarely causes serious complications. However, when complications do occur, they can be significant and require prompt medical treatment.

Possible complications in adults include:

• Bloodstream infections (sepsis)
• Pneumonia or lung infections
• Meningitis (brain and spinal cord infection)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections (endocarditis)

Complications during pregnancy can include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Infections of the amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
• Preterm labor
• Stillbirth (very rare)
• Postpartum infections

Complications in newborns are the most serious concern:

• Early-onset GBS disease (within first week of life)
• Late-onset GBS disease (after first week of life)
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Sepsis

It's important to remember that with proper screening and treatment during pregnancy, serious complications in newborns are quite rare. Most babies born to mothers with GBS are completely healthy.

How is Group B Strep diagnosed?

Diagnosing GBS is straightforward and involves simple laboratory tests that can detect the bacteria in your body.

The most common test is a culture, where your doctor takes a sample from your vagina and rectum using a cotton swab. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it's tested for the presence of GBS bacteria. Results typically take 2-3 days.

For pregnant women, this test is routinely done between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. The timing is important because GBS can come and go, so testing too early might not accurately predict whether you'll have GBS when you deliver.

If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, your doctor might test your urine for GBS. Blood tests can also detect GBS if your doctor suspects you have a bloodstream infection.

There's also a newer rapid test that can be done during labor if you haven't been tested or if your GBS status is unknown. This test gives results in about an hour, though it's not as accurate as the standard culture test.

What is the treatment for Group B Strep?

Treatment for GBS depends on your situation and whether you have an active infection or are simply a carrier.

If you're pregnant and test positive for GBS, you'll receive antibiotics during labor and delivery. The most commonly used antibiotic is penicillin, given through an IV. This treatment significantly reduces the risk of passing GBS to your baby during birth.

Antibiotic treatment during labor typically includes:

• Penicillin G given through IV every 4 hours during labor
• Alternative antibiotics like ampicillin if you're allergic to penicillin
• Clindamycin or vancomycin for those with severe penicillin allergies
• Treatment starting at least 4 hours before delivery for maximum effectiveness

If you have an active GBS infection outside of pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics based on the type and severity of your infection. Mild infections like urinary tract infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics at home.

More serious infections may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. The length of treatment depends on the severity of your infection and how well you respond to the medication.

How to manage Group B Strep at home?

If you're a GBS carrier without symptoms, there's usually nothing you need to do at home. The bacteria isn't harmful to you, and trying to eliminate it with home remedies isn't recommended.

However, if you're being treated for a GBS infection, here are some things that can help support your recovery:

General care measures include:

• Taking prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if you feel better
• Drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria from your system
• Getting adequate rest to support your immune system
• Eating a balanced diet with probiotic foods to maintain healthy gut bacteria
• Avoiding sexual activity until your infection clears (if you have a urinary tract infection)

For urinary tract infections specifically:

• Urinate frequently and completely empty your bladder
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Avoid irritating products like douches or feminine sprays
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes
• Consider cranberry juice, though evidence for its effectiveness is limited

Remember that being a GBS carrier is normal and doesn't require any special lifestyle changes. Focus on maintaining good overall health and following your doctor's recommendations.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment can help ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your situation.

Before your appointment, gather this information:

• A list of all your current symptoms and when they started
• Your complete medical history, including any previous infections
• All medications you're currently taking, including supplements
• Information about your pregnancy (if applicable), including due date
• Any previous GBS test results you might have

Questions to ask your doctor:

• Do I need to be tested for GBS?
• What do my test results mean?
• If I'm pregnant and have GBS, what happens during delivery?
• Are there any risks to my baby?
• What signs of infection should I watch for?
• When should I call you with concerns?

If you're pregnant, bring your prenatal records and be prepared to discuss your birth plan. Your doctor may need to adjust certain aspects of your delivery plan if you test positive for GBS.

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Your doctor wants to ensure you're fully informed about your condition and treatment options.

What's the key takeaway about Group B Strep?

Group B Strep is a common bacteria that many healthy people carry without any problems. While it's usually harmless to adults, it can pose risks to newborn babies if passed during delivery.

The most important thing to remember is that routine screening during pregnancy and appropriate treatment during labor have made serious GBS complications in babies quite rare. If you test positive for GBS during pregnancy, it doesn't mean you or your baby will definitely have problems.

With proper medical care and antibiotic treatment when needed, the vast majority of people with GBS go on to have healthy outcomes. Stay informed, follow your doctor's recommendations, and don't hesitate to ask questions about your care.

Remember that carrying GBS is not your fault and doesn't reflect on your health habits. It's simply a normal variation in the bacteria that naturally live in our bodies.