Group B streptococcus (group B strep) is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illness in newborn babies. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STD). The bacteria that cause group B strep disease normally live in the intestine, vagina or rectal areas. Group B strep bacteria may come and go in people's bodies without symptoms.
Group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. Sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis are the most common problems. However, a simple screening test performed late in pregnancy can help protect babies from this life-threatening infection.
"Women who are 35-37 weeks pregnant should be tested to determine if the bacteria is present," said M. Denice Leonard, D.O., Allegheny General Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A sterile swab is used to collect a speciemn from the vagina and rectum.
If the culture is positive, the woman will receive antibiotics intravenously during labor. Antibiotics help to greatly reduce the number of group B strep bacteria present during labor which reduces the chances of the newborn becoming infected.
"It's very important to do this screening since most women with group B strep have no symptoms. And if the test is positive, the pregnant women should receive antibiotics in labor, thereby decreasing the chance of the newborn developing an infection," said Dr. Leonard.
Last Updated: September 29, 2009