Group B streptococcal (GBS) disease is a bacterial infection.
These bacteria live in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary
tracts. They are found in the vaginal or rectal areas of 10% to
35% of all healthy adult women. GBS can cause illness in newborn
babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other
chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease.
In newborns, it is the most common cause of sepsis (blood
infection) and meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining
surrounding the brain). This following information covers GBS in
pregnant women and their babies. GBS is caused by the bacteria
Streptococcus agalactiae . Only a small number of babies who are
exposed to the bacteria will become infected. If infection
occurs, it can be serious. Newborn babies can become infected
with GBS in three ways: - Before birth, bacteria in the vagina
spread up the birth canal into the uterus and infect the
amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. The baby becomes infected
by inhaling the infected fluid.