Group B streptococcus

Question 1

Describe group B streptococcus

Answer 1

Commensal found in vagina and rectum of 25% pregnant women

Gram positive cocci - form chains

Question 2

What is the incidence rate of early onset GBS?

Answer 2

0.05%

Question 3

What is the mortality rate of babies who develop GBS?

Answer 3

5%

Question 4

Describe how streptococci can be classified

Answer 4

Alpha, beta, gamma

Beta - A,B,C,D,F,G,H

Question 5

Name the pathogen that is group B streptococcus

Answer 5

Streptococcus agalactiae

Question 6

What can Group B strep lead to in the mother?

Answer 6

Endometritis

Chorioamniotis

Question 7

List some risk factors for GBS infection in the neonate

Answer 7

GBS infection with previous baby
Prematuirty
Ruputre of membranes >24hrs before delivery
Pyrexia during labour
Positive test for GBS in mother
Mother diagnosed with a UTI found to be GBS during pregnancy

Question 8

List the clinical features of GBS

Answer 8

UTI
Chorioamniotis - fever, lower abdo tenderness, foul discharge maternal and fetal tachycardia

Endometritis - fever, lower abdo pain, intermenstrual bleeding, foul discharge

Neonatal infection - pyrexia, cyanosis, difficulty breathing, difficulty feeding, floppy

Question 9

Describe investigations for GBS

Answer 9

Swabs - vagina and rectum

Urine culture if UTI

Question 10

Who should be screened for GBS?

Answer 10

High risk

Question 11

How is GBS in the neonate prevented?

Answer 11

High dose IV penicillin throughout labour in those at high risk