Group B Streptococcal Infection Flashcards
What is group B streptococci (GBS) also known as?
Streptococcus agalactiae
What kind of bacteria are GBS?
Gram +ve
Where does GBS normally colonise?
- Gi tract
- Perineum
- Vagina
When can GBS cause invasive infections?
Any age, but infections are more common in neonatal period
What infections can GBS cause?
- Sepsis
- Cellulitis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
What is generally true of GBS?
It is a harmless commensal bacterium
In what % of healthy adults does GBS colonise the GI and GU tract?
Up to 30%
How might GBS spread to a baby?
When a baby is born, if there is GBS in or around the mother’s vagina, the bacteria may get on the baby’s skin or be in the baby’s mouth and be swallowed
What are the risk factors for GBS infection?
- 0-7 days old
- Maternal fever during labour
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Previous baby with GBS disease
What might GBS infection cause in neonates?
Early-onset or late-onset infection and sepsis
What infections might be caused by early-onset GBS infection?
Most only have pneumonia, but may cause septicaemia and meningitis
How do neonates with early onset GBS pneumonia present?
Respiratory distress
What proportion of infants born to mothers who are colonised by GBS carry the bacterium on their mucous membranes and skin?
Up to half
What might carrying GBS on their mucus membranes and skin cause?
Late-onset disease
When can late-onset GBS infection present?
Up to 3 months of age
