Disease: Group B Streptococcal Infections in Newborns

How is it treated?

Pregnant women who have group B strep infection or who are carriers of group B strep will be given antibiotics prior to delivery to prevent transmission of the bacteria to the newborn during delivery. If a woman is pregnant and has previously given birth to a child with group B strep infection or has had tests that show she carries the bacteria, she should be treated with antibiotics.

Newborns with the infection will also be given antibiotics. In addition to antibiotics, supportive care including fluids and ventilation will be given if needed. In some cases, a doctor will treat a newborn that is suspected of having group B strep infection before test results have shown infection. This is because not treating strep B infection in newborns can result in illness or death.

Having a baby by cesarean section does not prevent the transmission of group B strep bacteria.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of group B strep may include high or low body temperature, irritability, low energy, raised respiratory rate, and trouble feeding. Newborns infected with group B strep may get a blood infection (sepsis) or lung infection (pneumonia). An infection of the fluid or tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) can also occur. Newborns thought to be infected with group B strep need medical care right away, as the infection can be deadly.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

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