Group B Streptococcal Infections

Group B Streptococcal (GBS) is a bacterial infection that develops in the stomach, urinary tract, and vaginal tract. Most people do not have symptoms or feel ill with GBS present.

GBS infections in females most commonly occur in the urinary tract, blood, lining of female organs, and amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

In newborns GBS infection can occur through transmission of the bacteria from the mother. Risk factors include having GBS, preterm birth, and prolonged labor.

GBS infection occurs within the first 24 hours after birth, but can occur up to 1 week after birth. Newborns can present with fever, fast breathing, increased heart rate, poor feeding, irritability, drowsiness, temperature instability, abdominal swelling, and jaundice. Late onset disease occurs between 7 to 89 days after birth. Any infant presenting with fever, poor feeding, drowsiness, irritability, or fast breathing should be seen on the day symptoms are present.

A GBS swab is obtained from both the vagina and rectum of women between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. If positive for GBS, it is recommended that antibiotics are given during labor.

If GBS status is unknown during pregnancy, there is inadequate antibiotic coverage, or prolonged labor, the newborn must be observed in the hospital for at least 48 hours.


About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.