Group B Strep

Question 1

What is GBS?

Answer 1

Group B streptococcus

• GBS is a naturally occurring bacterium found in approximately 50% of healthy adults.

Question 2

Women who test positive for GBS during pregnancy are considered ___________.

Answer 2

carriers

This status indicates that they can potentially transmit the bacteria to their newborns.

Question 3

What are the potential early onset diseases caused by GBS in newborns?

Answer 3

• Sepsis
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis

Early onset disease occurs within the first week of life.

Question 4

Approximately how many newborns born to mothers who are GBS positive develop signs of disease?

Answer 4

1 out of every 100-200 newborns

Question 5

In the U.S., GBS is the leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in a newborn’s first week of life. True or False?

Answer 5

TRUE

This emphasizes the importance of screening and prevention strategies.

Question 6

What are some risk factors for GBS infection during pregnancy?

Answer 6

• Prematurity
• Prolonged ROM > 18 hours
• Maternal fever during labor
• Previous infant with GBS infection
• GBS during pregnancy
• Young age; African American

Question 7

When should women be screened for GBS?

Answer 7

35-37 weeks gestation

Screening involves taking a vaginal and rectal culture.

Question 8

What is the preferred treatment for GBS during labor?

Answer 8

IV Penicillin G

The dosing includes a 6 million units loading dose followed by 3 million units every 4 hours until delivery with at least TWO doses needed.

Question 9

What is the only proven strategy to protect a baby from early-onset group B strep disease?

Answer 9

Receiving antibiotics IV during labor

Antibiotics must be administered during labor as bacteria grow quickly.