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Group B- ß Streptococcus is a bacterium that is found in about twenty percent of all women, usually in the vagina or rectum. The germ causes no symptoms for the woman but can have major effects on the pregnancy and the baby. Group B ß streptococcus has been implicated in early labor, infections of the amniotic fluid and premature rupture of the membranes. Half of all babies born to infected mothers become infected immediately after birth resulting in serious infections leading to death or brain damage if not promptly treated. Smaller and preterm babies suffer more when infected.
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Symptoms in the baby appear early (within six to twelve hours of age) causing respiratory distress and shock. Symptoms can also appear within the first two weeks of life from nervous system infection (meningitis) resulting in death or neurological impairment. Treatment consists of antibiotics for the mother before delivery and early recognition and treatment of affected newborns. |
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