How is gbs spread

It doesn't mean that you're ill or that your baby will be affected, but that you're at increased risk of passing the bacteria to your baby. To prevent group B bacteria from spreading to your baby during labor or delivery, your doctor can give you an IV antibiotic — usually penicillin or a related drug — when labor begins.

If you're allergic to penicillin or related drugs, you might receive clindamycin or vancomycin as an alternative. Because the effectiveness of these alternatives is not well understood, your baby will be monitored for up to 48 hours. Taking oral antibiotics ahead of time won't help because the bacteria can return before labor begins. Although it's not available yet, researchers are working on a group B strep vaccine that could help prevent group B strep infections in the future.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Group B strep streptococcus is a common bacterium often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Group B streptococcus GBS infection. Mayo Clinic; Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in neonates and young infants. Accessed July 16, Researchers are working to develop a vaccine to prevent GBS infection.

Babies who get GBS disease are treated with antibiotics. These are started as soon as possible to help prevent problems. These babies also may need other treatments, like breathing help and IV fluids. Women who are GBS-positive and get antibiotics at the right time during labor do well, and most don't pass the infection to their babies. If you are GBS-positive and begin to go into labor, go to the hospital rather than laboring at home.

By getting IV antibiotics for at least 4 hours before delivery, you can help protect your baby against early-onset GBS disease. Reviewed by: Armando Fuentes, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Group B Strep? The two types of GBS disease in babies are: Early-onset infections , which happen during the first week of life. Babies often have symptoms within 24 hours of birth.

Late-onset infections , which develop weeks to months after birth. This type of GBS disease is not well understood. Your baby may be monitored in hospital for up to 12 hours to check for any problems. Some babies may develop serious problems like sepsis or meningitis. Page last reviewed: 12 March Next review due: 12 March Group B strep. Group B strep is a type of bacteria called streptococcal bacteria.

Group B strep is normally harmless and most people will not realise they have it. It's usually only a problem if it affects: pregnant woman — it could spread to the baby young babies — it can make them very ill elderly people or those who are already very ill — it can cause repeated or serious infections This page focuses on group B strep in pregnancy and babies.

Group B strep in pregnancy Group B strep is common in pregnant women and rarely causes any problems.