How serious is GBS disease in nonpregnant adults?
Although uncommon, invasive GBS disease in non-pregnant adults can be very serious. In a recent study, 21% of the adults with non-pregnancy associated invasive GBS disease, died. The high death rate may be influenced by the older age and presence of other illnesses in these patients, but death was usually felt to be directly related to the infection. How is it treated? A number of antibiotics are available that have good activity for the treatment of GBS infections, including penicillin and ampicillin. In some cases of skin and soft tissue infections, surgery may be necessary to drain infected sites and remove damaged tissue. Early recognition of GBS infection and initiation of appropriate therapy is important to successful treatment. Can GBS disease be prevented in non-pregnant adults? A number of general preventive measures can be recommended on the basis of the kinds of GBS infections seen in non-pregnant adults, particularly the elderly. Careful attention to skin care in diabetic p
