Group B Strep (cont.)
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). 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 adults who develop GBS infection, whether they are pregnant women or individuals with chronic medical conditions, intravenous antibiotics are also recommended.
At this point in time, the best treatment for GBS infection is prevention through routine screening during pregnancy. This testing has served to decrease the overall number of GBS infections in newborns, and there is currently research underway to develop a GBS vaccine.
- Group B strep are bacteria found normally in the intestine, vagina, and/or rectal area in 10%-35% of all healthy women.
- Most women who are colonized by the bacteria have no symptoms.
- In certain cases, infection of both the mother and/or infant can develop.
- The infection is spread to infants before or during delivery.
- Infection with GBS in babies may result in serious conditions including sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, or occasionally death.
- In pregnant women, routine screening for colonization with GBS is recommended.
- Infection is treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Last Editorial Review: 4/3/2008
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