When we hear the term "strep," we usually think of strep throat. But, Group B strep should not be confused with "strep-throat." Strep-throat is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria. Group B streptococcus is in the same family as Group A strep, but is a different strain and causes different conditions.

What is Group B strep (GBS)?
Group B streptococcus (GBS) causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with chronic illnesses. GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. The bacteria that cause GBS can be found in the bowel, vagina, bladder, throat, or rectum.

What happens if you are infected with GBS?
Many people carry GBS in their bodies but do not become ill. These people are considered "carriers." For those who do get ill, GBS infection can cause the following:

• In babies, GBS infection can result in sepsis (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining surrounding the brain), and pneumonia. Babies who survive, may have long-term problems, such as hearing or vision loss or learning disabilities.
• In pregnant women, GBS can cause bladder infections, womb infections (amnionitis, endometritis), and still birth.
• For men and among women who are not pregnant, GBS can cause blood infections, skin or soft tissue infections, and pneumonia
  

What are the signs and symptoms of GBS infection?

In infants/newborns:

• High-pitched cry, shrill moaning, or whimpering
• Grunting with breathing (as if constipated)
• Body stiffening or uncontrollable jerking movements (may be subtle or intermittent)
• Marked irritability or inconsolable crying
• Poor feeding or refusal to eat
• Fever (babies up to 6 months should not have a fever above 100.3°F)
• Fast, slow, or difficult breathing
• Projectile vomiting
• Blueness or grayness of skin (especially around the lips)
• Blotchy skin color, skin redness, or tenderness
• Sleeping too much, can't wake for feedings
• Not moving an arm or leg, listless, or floppy
• Tense or bulgy spot on top of head (fontanel) that should normally appear flat
• Blank stare or trance-like expression
  

In adults:

• Urinary tract infections
• Bloodstream infections (serious cases)
• Pneumonia (serious cases)
• Skin and soft-tissue infections (serious cases)
• Bone and joint infections (serious cases)
• Rarely causes meningitis (serious cases)
  

GBS statistics

• 5% of babies with GBS disease die from the infection
• Approximately 20% of men and non-pregnant women with GBS disease die of the disease
• 20-25% of pregnant women carry GBS in the rectum or vagina
  

Can pregnant women be checked for GBS?

• GBS carriage can be detected during pregnancy by taking a swab of both the vagina and rectum for special culture.
• This should be done late in the pregnancy (35-37 weeks' gestation) as cultures collected earlier do not accurately predict whether a mother will have GBS at delivery.
• A positive culture does not necessarily mean that baby will become ill.
• Most GBS in newborns can be prevented by giving the mom antibiotics through the vein during labor.
  

How is GBS treated?

• Antibiotics (e.g. penicillin or ampicillin) given through a vein (injected)