Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of Group B Strep is a bacteria that is commonly found in pregnant women. It is usually found in the vagina, cervix, rectum or even in the urine. Most of the time, a woman carrying this bacteria will not have any symptoms, and the diagnosis is made by the doctor taking a culture.
Fortunately, the actual incidence of newborn group B strep infection is extremely low, from 0.6 to 4 per 1,000 babies born. The incidence is so low because very few babies will actually get the infection, even if their mothers do have a positive group B strep culture.
The Group B Strep Test or GBS isn't routine in every doctor's office. Group B Strep is responsible for brain damage, death, impaired vision and hearing loss in newborns. This test can be requested between weeks 35 and 37. The physician simply swabs the vagina and rectum to take cultures. If the bacterium is detected in the cultures, IV antibiotics will be necessary during labor to prevent the bacteria from being passed to the newborn. Babies who develop the signs listed above should be
evaluated immediately by a doctor. Blood tests, cultures, and x-rays can help determine if a baby has GBS disease, and treatment should begin immediately.
Typically, babies are exposed to Group B Strep during labor and delivery; they may also be exposed after the mother's membranes rupture ("water breaks"). Babies can come in contact with Group B Strep if the bacteria travel upward from the mother's vagina into the uterus. Babies may also be exposed while passing through the birth canal. The babies become infected when they swallow or inhale the bacteria.
Researchers are actively working to develop a GBS vaccine. Use of the vaccine in adult women will stimulate the immune system to make protective proteins, called antibodies, which could cross the placenta later in pregnancy and protect the baby. Although widespread use of a vaccine is still years away, vaccination will one day protect babies and others from this bacterial infection.
Group Strep B site. Very informative.
More about Strep B Testing.
Group B Strep Support.
Advice if you are infected with Strep B.
The Center for Disease Control's Strep B website.
Website by Beth Verdieck 2004
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