Steven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
What are the signs and symptoms of group B strep infection?
In newborns with early-onset group B strep infection, the signs and symptoms
usually develop within the first 24 hours of life. Those babies who develop
late-onset group B strep infection are often healthy and thriving, with the
signs and symptoms of the disease developing after the first week of life. Signs
and symptoms that may be observed with GBS infection in babies include
Adults who develop invasive GBS infection may develop bloodstream infection (sepsis), skin and soft-tissue infection, bone and joint infection, lung infection (pneumonia), or rarely an infection of the fluid and lining tissues surrounding the brain (meningitis).
How is group B strep infection diagnosed?
In newborns and in adults, isolation of the group B strep bacteria is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Laboratory studies which isolate the organism from certain body fluids, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine help establish the diagnosis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may need to be performed when meningitis is suspected. Imaging studies such as a
chest
X-ray may be ordered to evaluate whether pneumonia is present.
What is the treatment for group B strep?
For women who test positive for GBS during pregnancy and for those with certain risk factors for developing or transmitting GBS infection during pregnancy, intravenous antibiotics are generally recommended at the time of labor (before delivery). Pregnant women who are not aware of their group B strep status should be given antibiotics during labor if they develop preterm labor (less than 37 weeks gestation), if they have membrane rupture for 18 hours or longer, or if they develop fever during labor.
Penicillin or ampicillin are the recommended antibiotics. The administration of antibiotics has been shown to significantly decrease GBS infection in newborns. If a pregnant carrier of GBS receives intravenous antibiotics prior to delivery, her baby has a one in 4,000 chance of developing GBS infection. Without antibiotics, her baby has a one in 200 chance of developing GBS infection.
In neonates or adults who develop invasive GBS infection, intravenous antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment as well.
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterium called streptococcus (strep) that can be treated through antibiotics. Common symptoms of strep throat include pinkeye, runny nose, skin rash, cough, hoarseness, diarrhea and more. Complications of untreated strep throat include middle ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, and more.
Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites). Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary greatly. They can sometimes be tender, painful or disfiguring. The treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends upon the cause.
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
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