Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium often carried without symptoms by adults. However, it can cause severe infections in newborns if transmitted...
GBS is a common type of bacteria often found in the digestive and lower genital tracts of healthy adults. It usually causes no symptoms but can be passed to newborns during birth.
In newborns, GBS can cause serious infections like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis, potentially leading to long-term health problems or even death.
Pregnant individuals are typically screened for GBS with a vaginal and rectal swab between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy to identify colonization.
If GBS is detected, intravenous antibiotics are administered to the pregnant individual during labor, significantly reducing the risk of transmission to the baby.
GBS colonization in adults usually doesn't require treatment. However, active GBS infections are treated with antibiotics, and preventive antibiotics are given during labor if colonization is found.