Group B streptococcus (GBS), or group B strep, is a type of bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, a Gram-positive bacterium which can be naturally found in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Most adults and children with colonization of GBS present little or no symptoms. Colonization of GBS within the gastrointestinal or genital tracts is generally not harmful to the individual, however, more invasive infection of the pathogen, particularly among newborns, the elderly, and the immunocompromised, can cause much more serious medical complications. Individuals at increased risk includes those over the age of 65 years and those with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Liver disease
- HIV
- Cancer
Group B strep is especially dangerous to newborns. A newborn who contracts GBS may develop life-threatening infections, that may include:
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Septicemia
Babies who have symptoms within the first week of birth likely have early-onset GBS disease. Infection that occurs after the first week of life is referred to as late-onset GBS disease. Signs and symptoms of GBS disease in babies may include:
- Fever
- Difficulty feeding
- Low body temperature
- Difficulty waking up
- Irritability
- Difficulty breathing
