Group B Strep: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Priyanka Mandpe , Gynecologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Group B strep (GBS) is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. It commonly lives harmlessly in the digestive and genital tracts of healthy adults but can cause serious infections in newborns, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic treatment, and preventive screening during pregnancy help reduce complications and improve outcomes.

What Are the Types of Group B Strep?

Group B Strep infections are classified based on the age of onset and the affected population.

Early-Onset Group B Strep Disease: Occurs in newborns during the first week of life, usually within 24 hours after birth.
Late-Onset Group B Strep Disease: Develops in infants between 7 days and 3 months of age.
Group B Strep Infection in Adults: Affects pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

What are the Group B Strep Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Most adults carry GBS without symptoms. However, infections can be severe, especially in newborns and high-risk adults.

Common Symptoms in Newborns:

Fever or low body temperature
Difficulty feeding
Irritability, limpness, or weak muscle tone
Trouble breathing
Jittery movements or seizures
Jaundice or rash

Severe Symptoms (Newborns):

Symptoms within 6 hours of birth (early-onset)
Symptoms after a few weeks (late-onset)

Group B Strep Symptoms in Adults

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Frequent, painful urination, Blood in urine, Pelvic discomfort
Bloodstream Infection (Bacteremia): Fever and chills, Confusion or disorientation
Pneumonia: Cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath
Skin or Soft Tissue Infection: Swelling, redness, pain, or pus
Bone/Joint Infection: Swelling, pain, limited movement
Severe Cases: Meningitis, Endocarditis (heart valve infection)

What are the Causes Group B Strep?

The primary cause of Group B Strep infections is the colonization of the bacteria in the body. While many carry the bacteria asymptomatically, certain conditions can precipitate an infection. These include:

Pregnancy: Pregnant women can pass the bacteria to their babies during labour.
Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with compromised immunity are more susceptible to infections.
Chronic Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and liver disease can increase risk.

When to See a Doctor for Group B Strep?

Consult an obstetrician, pediatrician, or gynecologists if you are pregnant and test positive for Group B Strep, develop symptoms of infection, or if a newborn shows signs of illness. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Fever, chills, or signs of infection during pregnancy
Painful or frequent urination
Redness or swelling from a skin infection
A newborn with poor feeding, lethargy, or fever

Get medical help immediately if:

Difficulty breathing
Signs of sepsis, such as confusion or low blood pressure
Seizures in a newborn
Persistent fever or inability to wake a newborn for feeding

These could be signs of severe Group B Strep infection, which requires urgent medical care.

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How Is Group B Strep Diagnosed?

GBS diagnosis relies on lab cultures and symptom assessment, particularly in pregnant women and at-risk adults.

Common Diagnostic Tests:

Vaginal and rectal swabs (35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy)
Urine tests for UTIs
Blood cultures for suspected sepsis
Swabs from infected skin or tissue

At Medicover, we provide routine prenatal screening, advanced diagnostics, and 24/7 laboratory support to identify GBS early and guide treatment effectively.

What Are the Treatment Options for Group B Strep?

Treatment for Group B Strep in adults often involves antibiotics, such as penicillin or ampicillin. In pregnant women, the focus is on preventing transmission to the newborn. Prophylactic antibiotics are administered during labour if the mother tests positive for GBS.

IV Antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin, Ampicillin): Given during labor to GBS-positive pregnant women
Alternate Antibiotics (e.g., Clindamycin, Vancomycin): For penicillin-allergic patients
Antibiotics for Infected Adults/Newborns: Based on site and severity of infection

Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Pregnancy

Antibiotic prophylaxis is a standard preventive measure for pregnant women who test positive for GBS or have risk factors such as:

Previous birth of a baby with GBS infection
Fever during labour
Preterm labour

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What Is the Recovery Process for Group B Strep?

Recovery depends on the severity of the infection, the patient's age, and how quickly treatment begins. Most people recover completely with prompt antibiotic therapy, although severe infections may require prolonged medical care.

Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
Attend follow-up appointments as recommended
Monitor for recurring symptoms or complications
Maintain good hygiene and wound care if applicable
Pregnant women should follow prenatal care recommendations
Ensure newborns receive prompt medical evaluation if symptoms develop
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or recur

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the symptoms of Group B Strep?

Many people with Group B Strep have no symptoms. When infection occurs, symptoms may include fever, urinary tract infection, skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or meningitis. In newborns, symptoms can include difficulty breathing, poor feeding, lethargy, fever, or irritability.

2. How is Group B Strep diagnosed?

Group B Strep is diagnosed using laboratory tests. Pregnant women are routinely screened between 36 and 37 weeks of pregnancy with a vaginal and rectal swab. Blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid cultures may be performed if an invasive infection is suspected.

3. Who is at risk of developing Group B Strep infection?

Pregnant women, newborn babies, adults over 65 years of age, and people with diabetes, liver disease, cancer, weakened immune systems, or other chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious Group B Strep infections.

4. How is Group B Strep treated?

Group B Strep infections are treated with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin or ampicillin. Pregnant women who test positive for GBS receive intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to their baby. Severe infections may require hospitalization and supportive care.

5. Can Group B Strep affect pregnancy and newborns?

Yes, Group B Strep can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. Without preventive treatment, it may cause serious infections in newborns, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Routine screening and antibiotics during labor greatly reduce this risk.

6. What complications can occur with Group B Strep?

Complications may include bloodstream infections (sepsis), pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, and, in pregnant women, infections of the uterus or amniotic fluid. In newborns, untreated infection can be life-threatening.