September 30th, 2008
Group B Strep Infection
Group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.
Group B strep (GBS) is a bacterium also known as Streptococcus agalactiae. This type of bacteria that causes disease in newborn babies, pregnant women, the old, and adults with other poor health, such as diabetes or liver disease. Group B strep can normally be found in 10%-35% of all healthy adult women. It can commonly be found in the intestine, vagina, and/or rectal part. The majority of GBS infections are detected in pregnant women. In pregnant women, the bacteria may cause urinary tract infection, infection of the womb and stillbirth.