Group B Strep

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A group B strep (GBS) infection

is a condition caused by bacteria called group B streptococcus. GBS are normally found in the digestive organs or vagina. A person may carry GBS and not get infected and become sick. GBS may cause infections in the blood, lungs, or skin. GBS rarely cause serious problems in adults, but can be life-threatening to babies.

Signs and symptoms of a GBS infection:

GBS infection in babies may be grouped into early-onset and late-onset GBS infection. Early-onset GBS infection occurs within the first week of life, usually within 72 hours of birth. Late-onset GBS infection commonly appears after the first week of birth. Your baby may have any of the following:

• Eating poorly or vomiting
• Fast or slow heartbeat and trouble breathing
• Fever, hypothermia (very low body temperature), or seizures
• Irritability, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Tense or bulging fontanel (soft spot on the top of his or her head)

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your baby has a seizure.
• Your baby has trouble breathing and a very fast or slow heartbeat.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your baby is drowsy or more sleepy than usual.
• Your baby is vomiting often.
• Your baby's symptoms get worse or return.
• Your baby has a tense or bulging soft spot on the top of the head.
• Your baby has a fever.
• Your baby is eating poorly.
• Your baby's skin has swelling or a rash.

Call your baby's doctor if:

• You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How a GBS infection is diagnosed in babies:

• Blood tests give healthcare providers information about how your baby's body is working.
• X-rays may be used to check your child's heart, lungs, and chest wall.
• A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, may be used to take fluid from around your baby's spinal cord. A small needle will be placed into his or her lower back. Fluid is pulled out with the needle. The fluid will be tested for infection.

Treatment:

Your baby may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Antibiotic medicines are usually needed to treat GBS infection in babies.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Penicillin VK
• levofloxacin
• Bicillin L-A
• Bicillin C-R
• Pfizerpen

View more treatment options

Care for your baby at home:

• Wash your hands often. This will help prevent the spread of germs. Encourage everyone in your house to wash their hands with soap and water after they go to the bathroom. Also wash hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
• Have your baby rest. Your baby should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep. Have your baby rest in a dark, quiet room if he or she still turns away from bright lights.
• Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. These medicines help decrease pain and fever. They are available without a prescription. Ask how much medicine is safe to give your child, and how often to give it. Do not give your baby aspirin. Aspirin can cause Reye syndrome in children younger than 18 years. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage.

Decrease your baby's risk for a GBS infection:

Screening tests for GBS in mothers may be done during the 35th to 37th weeks of pregnancy. A sample from your vagina or rectum may be taken to check if you carry GBS. If you carry the bacteria, antibiotics will be given during your labor and delivery through an IV. Antibiotics will help prevent you from passing GBS to your baby.

Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:

Your baby may develop hearing or learning problems. He or she should be carefully monitored by his or her doctor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  1600 Clifton Road
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
  

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