What is a Group B strep infection?
Group B strep infection is a condition caused by a bacteria (germ) called Group B streptococcus (GBS). GBS is normally found in the digestive organs or vagina. A person may colonize (carry) GBS but does not get infected and become sick. GBS lives inside the body, along with many other bacteria that are harmless to most people. It is not easily passed on in adults and may not need treatment. GBS infection rarely causes serious problems in adults, but can be life-threatening to babies. Babies can get infected during, or shortly after birth. Your baby may also become sick if he had contact with a person infected with GBS. In adults, GBS usually affects pregnant women, the elderly, and those with other diseases, such as diabetes or cancer. Pregnant women may have preterm (early) delivery, stillbirth, or infections of the womb or urinary bladder. GBS may also cause infections in the blood, lungs or skin in adults. With treatment, including antibiotic medicines, your child may make a complet
