Awareness of a Group B Strep Infection During Pregnancy
About the Group B Strep
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Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that is found in the lower intestine of 10-35% of all healthy adults and in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 10-35% of all healthy, adult women. Group B Strep should not be confused with Group A Strep, which causes strep throat. A person whose body carries Group B Strep bacteria but who does not show signs of infection is said to be "colonized" with Group B Strep. GBS colonization is not contagious. GBS bacteria are a normal part of the commonly found bacteria in the human body. Normally, the presence of GBS does not cause problems. In certain circumstances, however, Group B Strep bacteria can invade the body and cause serious infection; this is referred to as Group B Strep disease.
Who May Be Affected by Group B Strep?
15,000 to 18,000 newborns and adults in the United States will contract serious GBS disease each year, resulting in bloodstream, respiratory, and other devastating infections. About half of all GBS disease occurs in newborns and is acquired during childbirth when a baby comes into direct contact with the bacteria carried by the mother. GBS causes infections in pregnant women - in the womb, in amniotic fluid, in incisions following cesarean sections, and in the urinary tract. Each year there are over 50,000 cases of such infections in pregnant women. 35-40% of GBS disease occurs in the elderly or in adults with chronic medical conditions.
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How Common is GBS Disease in Newborns?
Approximately 8,000 babies in the United States contract serious GBS disease each year. Up to 800 of these babies may die from it, and up to 20% of the babies who survive GBS-related meningitis are left permanently handicapped. In newborns, GBS is the most common cause of sepsis (infection of the blood) and meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining surrounding the brain) and is a frequent cause of newborn pneumonia. GBS disease is more common than other, better known, newborn problems such as rubella, congenital syphilis, and spina bifida. Some babies that survive, especially those who develop meningitis, may develop long-term medical problems, including hearing or vision loss, varying degrees of physical and learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
How Do Babies Get Sick from GBS Disease?
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. There is also evidence that GBS may cross intact membranes to expose the baby while it is still in the womb. There it may cause preterm births, stillbirths or miscarriages. However, these problems may be caused by a variety of factors - other infections, stress, genetic defects for example. Be sure that any of these complications are investigated fully even if you are colonized with GBS . |
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About the Group B Strep About the Group B Strep (page 2 of 5) |
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