Awareness of a Group B Strep Infection During Pregnancy
About the Group B Strep (page 1 of 5)
|
|
|
Are Certain Babies More Vulnerable to GBS Disease?
Premature babies, with their less-developed bodies and immune systems, are more vulnerable to GBS infection than older infants. Premature babies infected with GBS are at higher risk for long-term complications and/or death. Since most babies are born full term, however, full term babies account for 70% of the cases of GBS disease in newborns. The majority (80%) of the cases of GBS disease among newborns occur in the first week of life. This is called early onset disease. Most of these babies are ill within a few hours after birth. Babies who develop early onset disease may have one or more of the following symptoms: problems with temperature regulation, grunting sounds, fever, seizures, breathing problems, unusual change in behavior, stiffness, or extreme limpness. GBS disease may also develop in infants one week to several months after birth. This is called late onset disease. Meningitis is more common with late onset GBS disease. About half of late onset GBS disease can be linked to a mother who is colonized with GBS; the source of infection for other babies with late onset GBS disease is unknown. A baby who develops late onset GBS disease may exhibit the following signs: stiffness, limpness, inconsolable screaming, fever, or refusal to feed.
How is a Baby Tested for GBS disease?
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. |
How is GBS transmitted?
Is GBS a sexually transmitted Disease? GBS is a naturally occurring bacterium in the human body of both women and men. Since it is commonly found in the vagina, some people wonder whether GBS is a sexually transmitted disease. The answer is 3No2. GBS bacteria usually do not cause genital symptoms or discomfort and are not linked with increased sexual activity. Women found to carry GBS do not need to change their sexual practices.
Can pregnant women be checked for GBS colonization?
The Group B Strep Association advocates that every pregnant woman be screened for GBS. One third, or 1,200,000 pregnant women carry GBS bacteria. Knowing your culture result before you go into labor can help protect your baby's life.
The test should be performed late in pregnancy, around 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. The test involves collecting a swab or swabs from the lower vagina and rectum and culturing the sample on a special medium (LIM or selective broth medium). The test result is usually ready in 2 or 3 days; it usually costs between $15 and $35. This culture (LIM or selective broth) is considered the "Gold Standard" - it is the best GBS screening available. Unfortunately, it is not perfect and may miss a small number of women (approximately 5%) who carry GBS. Fortunately, it is accurate in detecting colonization and will not give a false positive result. Rapid screen tests are not as good at detecting the bacteria as the "Gold Standard" culture but may be beneficial in a setting where a pregnant woman had not received prenatal care.
|
|
About the Group B Strep (page 1 of 5) About the Group B Strep (page 3 of 5) |
|
