What is the group B strep test?
The Group B strep test is a prenatal test to detect the GBS bacteria. Group B strep is not the same bacterium that causes strep throat. Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus. GBS bacteria are normally found in the vagina and in the lower intestine of 15 percent to 40 percent of all healthy, adult women. Being positive for GBS is usually not serious for a woman and is easily treated with antibiotics. If you are pregnant, though, GBS is another matter. It is known as one of the main causes of life-threatening infections in newborn babies. So, screening is needed. Why would I need a Group B strep test? A woman can have GBS bacteria – often in the vagina, rectum or bladder – and not know it. The bacteria usually do not cause genital symptoms or discomfort and are generally not linked with increased sexual activity. The GBS bacteria can affect the baby as it passes through the birth canal. Babies with GBS infection can develop pneumonia, sepsis (infection of the blood) or meningit
