• (0)
• 
• 

Group B Strep (GBS) is a type of bacteria carried by 1 in 3 of all adults in their intestines, and up to 1 out of 4 women carry GBS in their vagina.

Most people who carry GBS aren't aware of it, as carrying it causes no symptoms.

If a pregnant woman is carrying GBS, her baby may be exposed to the bacteria around labour and delivery. For most babies this causes no problems, for others it can be deadly; causing meningitis, pneumonia and blood poisoning.

Every year in the UK, without medical prevention 700 newborn babies become seriously ill as a result of GBS infection. 75 of these sick babies die and 40 are left with permanent problems.

How can group B Strep infection be prevented?

Giving antibiotics during labour to women at higher risk of passing on the bacteria would prevent more than 80% of GBS infections in newborn babies.

How can women find out if they carry group B Strep?

Group B Strep carriage can come and go - a sensitive swab test at 35-37 weeks will give the best idea as to whether a woman will be carrying GBS at delivery.

The NHS does not routinely test for GBS, and when it does, the swab test normally used gives falsely negative results to up to half the women carrying GBS.

A more reliable test, called an Enriched Culture Medium (ECM) test, is only available in a few NHS hospitals, although it is available privately. Contact the charity, Group B Strep Support for more information.

• Back
• Next: Group B Strep: more information

• Comment (0)
• Send to a friend
• Print: Article |  Page