GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION
(Group B Strep)
CONTENT
What is Group B streptococcal infection
What causes it
What are the symptoms
How is it treated
What can a parent do
WHAT IS GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION
1. It is an infection caused by the bacteria (germ) Group B Streptococcus. It is sometimes
called “Group B strep” or “Beta strep.”
2. It is one of the most common bacteria that newborns can get.
WHAT CAUSES IT
1. Group B strep normally lives in the birth canal of some women and is passed from the
mother to the baby during the birth. They do not know they have the bacteria and it does
not make them sick.
2. However, the bacteria may cause an infection in the baby.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
1. The baby may have any of the following:
a. Increased or decreased temperature
b. Increased breathing (tachypnea)
c. Absent breathing (apnea)
d. Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
e. Pale color, mottled (spotty coloring, as if the baby is cold)
f. Cyanosis (blue coloring)
g. Low Blood Pressure (hypotension)
h. Feeding residuals, spitting
i. Abdominal distention (belly enlarged)
j. Jaundice
k. Lethargy (Sleepy, extra quiet)
Group B Strep 1
HOW IS IT TREATED
1. Your baby will have a blood culture drawn and sent to the lab so we know which bacteria is
causing the baby’s infection. Final results from the culture take 1-2 days.
2. While we wait for the culture results we may:
a. Start an IV to give your baby fluids, feedings and medications
b. Draw blood for other tests to see how the baby is doing: a CBC (blood count), ABGs
(blood gases)
c. Collect a urine specimen
d. Start the baby on antibiotics to fight the infection. When the culture results are
known, we may change the antibiotic, change the dose or discontinue the antibiotic.
The doctor will decide how long your baby will need to stay on the antibiotics.
e. Get a chest x-ray.
WHAT CAN A PARENT DO
1. This will not change your time with your baby, please continue to visit as usual.
2. Handwashing is very important!!! Please be sure to scrub and use the foam every time you
visit your baby—even if you come several times a day—you will need to scrub and use the
foam.
Reviewed/Revised:
5/01, 2/03, 9/05, 4/07, 5/10
Group B Strep 2