Who is at risk for group B strep infection?
Adults with illnesses that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer, are at risk of infection with group B strep. An infant born to a woman who is carrying the bacteria can also be at risk. Some pregnant women are at more risk than others of having a baby who develops group B strep disease. A pregnant woman is at high risk if she: • Has already had a baby with group B strep infection • Has a urinary tract infection caused by group B strep • Becomes colonized with group B strep late in pregnancy • Develops a fever during labor • Has rupture of membranes 18 hours or more before delivery • Begins labor or has rupture of membranes before 37 weeks (“preterm”) What complications can result from group B strep infection? Group B strep infection is fatal in about 20% of infected men and non-pregnant women and about 5% to 15% of infected newborns. Babies who survive can be left with speech, hearing, and vision problems as well as mental retardation. What is the treatment for group B
