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 Group
B streptococcus (GBS or Group B Strep) is the most common cause
of life-threatening infections in newborns - and it's found in about
20 percent to 40 percent of pregnant women. Because of this, more
pregnant women today are being screened for Group B Strep.
What
problems does Group B Strep cause? When should a pregnant woman
be tested -who is at risk - and what is the treatment? What are
the myths surrounding Group B Strep? Let's take a look.
What
problems does Group B Strep cause?
| Common
Myths |
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Myth #1: Group B Strep is sexually transmitted. No, although
it is found in the gut (the intestines) and can be colonized
in the vagina, it is not associated with increased sexual
activity. |
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Myth #2: Group B Strep is the same as strep throat and
if you get sick with a cold, you can give it to your baby.
Group B Strep is a different class of streptococcus than
the one found often in strep throat (that is Group A Strep).
And it often has no symptoms and many women are unaware
they have it. |
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Myth #3: Group B Strep infections are rare. On the contrary,
Group B Strep is more prevalent than many of the more
commonly tested diseases such as spina bifida and Down's
syndrome. About 8,000 newborns are afflicted in the US
each year. |
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The
reason obstetricians and other health care providers test for Group
B Strep is that it can cause serious problems for newborns during
delivery. In the 1970s, Group B Strep was found to be one of the
most devastating, life-threatening newborn infections in the US.
Luckily
it is rare for babies to be infected with Group B Strep, although
2,000 babies in the US each year die, or are left with serious mental
or physical handicaps, from Group B Strep infections.
Babies
are usually infected in the uterus, or during travel into the birth
canal. Problems arise when the bacteria enters the bloodstream (a
condition known as sepsis), and may cause pneumonia or meningitis,
leading to permanent lung damage, mental retardation, and even death.
Symptoms generally are seen immediately at birth.
When
should testing take place?
Testing
for Group B Strep usually occurs during weeks 34 through 36 of pregnancy.
Using cotton swabs, the doctor will take samples from the vaginal
and anal areas. These samples are then sent to lab, and the results
are available in about two days. Sometimes, testing may be repeated
during labor.
Who
should be tested?
There
are certain women who are at risk in developing and passing Group
B Strep to the baby:
- Women
who deliver prematurely (labor before thirty-seven weeks)
- Women
who leak or rupture their membranes ("break the bag of water")
before thirty-seven weeks
- Women
who develop urinary tract infections containing Group B Strep
- Women
who have had previous babies with Group B Strep infections
- Women
who have a temperature (fever) during labor
What
is the treatment?
Treatment
for Group B Strep consists of giving antibiotics during labor and
delivery; giving after delivery has shown no benefit. IV (intravenous)
antibiotics are usually administered. These pose little harm to
the baby. Some doctors treat with oral antibiotics if the infection
is found before the labor period, however this is still controversial.
With
a greater awareness of this problem, prevention of Group B Strep,
along with appropriate screening and treatment, can lead to saving
lives and having healthier babies. Researchers are also developing
a Group B Strep vaccine that can be given to women who may be at
risk for developing this serious disease.
For
more information about Group B Strep, contact the Group B Strep
Association http://www.groupbstrep.org/.
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