Streptococcus Group B
Streptococcus Group B Causes
Infections are caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS).
Streptococcus Group B Definition
Infection with Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also called Streptococcus agalactiae, can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in newborn infants and the elderly. Group B streptococci are also important pathogens in veterinary medicine, because they can result to bovine mastitis (inflammation of the udder) in dairy cows. The species name "agalactiae" meaning "no milk", refers to this. Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram-positive streptococcus marked by the presence of Group B Lancefield antigen, and so takes the name Group B Streptococcus.
Streptococcus Group B Diagnosis
Group B strep infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test of spinal fluid or blood.
Streptococcus Group B Symptoms and Signs
In adults, group B strep usually does not cause any symptoms. However, in rare cases, it can result to serious bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems and other health problems, such as diabetes.
Streptococcus Group B Treatment
Group B strep infections in both newborns and adults are typically treated with antibiotics given intravenously (through a vein).