Group B Streptococcus
Group B Streptococcus Causes
GBS is a bacterial disease that thrives in a woman's vagina or rectal area.
Group B Streptococcus Definition
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is common disease among pregnant women that can be passed on to their newborn babies. It is caused by the Gram-positive bacteria named Steptoccocus agalacticae. The bacteria is usually characterized by the prevalence of Group B Lancefield antigen, thus the name Group B Streptoccocus.
Group B Streptococcus Diagnosis
GBS is determined through prenatal, neonatal and antenatal diagnostic tests.
Group B Streptococcus Symptoms and Signs
There are usually no symptoms of the disease; only immediate effects such as ruptures during labor can determine the presence of GBS. Babies who are diagnosed with diseases such as meningitis may also have acquired it through GBS.
Group B Streptococcus Treatment
GBS can be swabbed out the woman's vaginal area during neonatal or antenatal checkups. Intravenous antibiotics are also given to women affected by the infection.