What complications does Group B streptococcus cause for the baby?
• Newborn babies can get Group B strep infection when the bacteria enters the amniotic cavity after the membranes have ruptured or when there are small tears in the amniotic sac. • Having a caesarian section does not eliminate the risk of infection. • Group B strep infection can also be acquired when the baby passes through the mother’s vagina (birth canal) during birth. • In either case, the baby may inhale or swallow the bacteria. • The bacteria then makes its way into the baby’s blood stream where toxins may be released, which may cause infection in the baby’s heart, lungs and brain. Early Onset Disease • Early Onset disease appears before the baby is 7 days old. • It is acquired before or during delivery, and occurs more frequently in low birth weight infants. • It is characterized by bacterial infection in the baby’s bloodstream that often leads to respiratory distress, periods of irregular breathing shock, pneumonia and meningitis. • Early Onset disease has a death rate of about
