Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Infections
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria commonly found in the intestines, vagina, and cervix of many people. Generally, this presence is harmless. However, babies can become infected during childbirth. In some cases, this leads to symptoms of illness. The disease can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics.
Group B Streptococcus Infections (GBS)
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria that naturally occur in many people’s intestines and/or in the cervix and vagina. These bacteria usually do not cause illness. However, if the mother is a carrier of the bacteria, the baby can become infected during delivery. In some cases, this leads to illness, also known as GBS disease. GBS can also cause symptoms in adults. [1]
What are the symptoms of Group B Streptococcus infections?
In newborns, GBS infection typically presents as fever, breathing difficulties, and feeding problems. In severe cases, pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis may develop, which can be fatal. In adults, GBS can cause a urinary tract infection, although this often occurs without noticeable symptoms. In women who have recently given birth, the bacteria can cause postpartum infections, such as puerperal fever or wound infections, especially following a cesarean section.
Transmission and prevention of Group B Streptococcus infections
Transmission occurs through direct contact, such as between a mother and her child during childbirth. Babies become ill when the bacteria enter their bodies. If the mother's water has been broken for a long time, the fetus can be exposed to the bacteria. Newborns are at risk of developing GBS disease (respiratory and feeding problems, fever) or even dying from pneumonia, blood infection, or meningitis.
When a child is at increased risk (e.g., prolonged rupture of membranes or threatened preterm birth), precautionary antibiotics can be administered intravenously. Pregnant women with risk factors can be screened for GBS carriage. If the mother is a carrier, antibiotics may be given during labor to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
How common are Group B Streptococcus infections?
In the Netherlands, about one in five people carry Group B Streptococcus without symptoms. Approximately 1 in 1,000 newborns develops a GBS infection.
Screening policy
Pregnant women with risk factors (e.g., prolonged rupture of membranes or threatened preterm birth) are screened for GBS. If screening is positive (or unknown), if a previous child had GBS disease, or if there is a confirmed GBS urinary tract infection during pregnancy, antibiotic prophylaxis during labor is recommended. The presence of GBS in the urine is generally considered an indication of carriage.
The document below provides more information on the risks associated with Group B Streptococcus.
