Group B streptococcus (group B strep) is a bacteria that can cause severe illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. In newborns, it can cause a dangerous blood infection or meningitis. Breastfeeding poses no risk as group B strep cannot be passed from mother to infant through this means.
Symptoms In Newborns
The symptoms for group B strep in newborns are similar to the flu. An infant may develop symptoms such as fever, irritability, difficulty feeding and lethargy. If not treated quickly, group B strep can develop into meningitis or sepsis. Parents who see these symptoms in their newborns should seek a doctor's care immediately. If a newborn is diagnosed with group B strep after a blood culture, the doctor will treat the infant with an IV of penicillin or ampicillin.
Symptoms in Mothers
Many adults carry group B strep yet have no symptoms of the illness. The CDC estimates that around 25 percent of women carry the bacteria at any given time. It can occasionally cause infections in the bladder or womb of pregnant women. Mothers of newborns can carry the bacteria in their bowels, vagina, bladder or throat. Most pregnant women are tested for group B strep by their physicians through a simple swab test. If they test positive, they will receive an IV of antibiotics during labor to prevent the bacteria from passing to the child.
Transmission of Group B Strep
Women who are positive for group B strep can safely breastfeed their infants. Group B strep is not passed through breast milk, so there is no risk of infecting a child through breastfeeding. However, a pregnant woman who is carrying the bacteria can pass it to her child before or during childbirth. It is important for pregnant women to be screened for the bacteria by their doctor.
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