Group B Strep Infection
Medical Author: Steven E. Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
What is group B strep?
Group B strep (GBS) is a bacteria also known as Streptococcus agalactiae. This type of bacteria (not to be confused with
group A strep which causes "strep throat") is commonly found in the human body, and it usually does not cause any symptoms. However, in certain cases it can be a dangerous cause of various infections that affect pregnant women and their newborn infants. Group B strep infection can also afflict adults with certain chronic medical conditions.
What causes group B strep infection?
Group B strep can normally be found in 10%-35% of all healthy adult women. It can commonly be found in the intestine, vagina, and/or rectal area. Most women who are carriers of the bacteria (colonized) will not have any symptoms; however, under certain circumstances, both infection of both the mother and/or newborn can develop.
How is group B strep transmitted?
In newborns, GBS infection is acquired through direct contact with the bacteria while in the uterus or during delivery; thus the infection is transmitted from the colonized mother to her newborn. However, not every baby born to a colonized mother will develop GBS infection. Statistics show that about
one of every 100-200 babies born to a GBS-colonized mother will develop GBS infection. There are maternal risk factors, however, that increase the chance of transmitting the disease to the newborn:
- labor or membrane rupture before 37 weeks
- membrane rupture more than 18 hours before delivery
- urinary tract infection with GBS during pregnancy
- previous baby with GBS infection
- fever during labor
- positive culture for GBS colonization at 35-37 weeks
Group B strep infection is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Next: What are the symptoms of group B strep infection? »
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Last Editorial Review: 4/3/2008
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