Group B streptococcus

Question 1

What is Group B streptococcus the most common cause of?

Answer 1

Early-onset severe infection in the neonatal period.

Question 2

What is Group B streptococcus due to?

Answer 2

Bacterium streptococcus agalactiae.

Question 3

What is Group B streptococcus commonly responsible for in a neonate?

Answer 3

Sepsis
Pneumonia
Meningitis

Question 4

Where is Group B streptococcus commonly found?

Answer 4

In the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of women

Question 5

When are infants usually exposed to GBS?

Answer 5

Exposed to maternal GBS during labour

Question 6

What are the risk factors for Group B streptococcus infections?

Answer 6

• prematurity
• prolonged rupture of the membranes
• previous sibling GBS infection
• maternal pyrexia e.g. secondary to chorioamnionitis

Question 7

What is used to prevent GBS infection in the new born?

Answer 7

Intra-partum antibiotic prophylaxis

Question 8

What antibiotics are used for Intra-partum antibiotic prophylaxis?

Answer 8

Benzylpenicillin

Question 9

Is there routine testing for GBS in all pregnant women?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

If a women is to be swabbed for GBS, when is this done?

Answer 10

35-37 weeks or 3-5 weeks prior to the anticipated delivery date

Question 11

How can a neonate with group B strep infection present?

Answer 11

Fever
Tachycardia
Respiratory distress

Question 12

Which other women would be given intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for GBS?

Answer 12

Women with a pyrexia during labour (>38ºC)
preterm labour regardless of their GBS status