Group B Streptococcus “Colonization” – Neonatal Disease

Question 1

Characteristics for Group B Streptococcus

Answer 1

10 – 40% of women in the U.S. are colonized asymptomatically

• Nonpregnant women experience no ill effects
• Pregnant women can result in preterm delivery

Question 2

How do the infants get Colonization?

Answer 2

• Infants become colonized with the bacterium during passage through the birth canal
• Ascension of the bacteria through ruptured membranes.
• Reproductive tract disease.

Question 3

What happens to infants inGroup B Streptococcus Colonization?

Answer 3

• Life-threatening bloodstream infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia

Question 4

What are the possible permanent disabilities for infants?

Answer 4

• Developmental disabilities
• Hearing loss
• Impaired visionas
• Amniotic infection
• Subsequent stillbirths

Question 5

Recommendations Group B Streptococcus Colonization

Answer 5

In 2002, the CDC recommended that all women be screened for group B Streptococcus at 35 – 37 weeks of pregnancy
-Treat with penicillin or ampicillin