Strep B – also known as group B strep – is one type of bacteria from the streptococcus group.
They cause infections which can range in severity from mild throat infections to life-threatening organ infections, according to the NHS.
Mostly they can be treated using antibiotics.
The strep B group usually live harmlessly in the vagina and digestive system.
However, it can sometimes cause UTIs, skin infections, bone infections, blood infections and pneumonia.
Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or diabetes sufferers, are most likely to be infected.
However, pregnant mothers and their babies can also be at risk.
It’s estimated that one in every four pregnant women has strep B bacteria in their digestive system or vagina.
This is of concern because the bacteria can be passed onto the unborn baby via the amniotic fluid – the clear liquid which surrounds it in the mother’s belly.
There is also a small chance of miscarriage or still birth due to a strep B infection during pregnancy.
Or it can be transferred to the baby during labour as it travels through the birth canal.
Roughly one in every 2,000 babies becomes infected.
If they are, because of their poorly developed immune systems the infection can quickly spread through their body.
Symptoms in a newborn baby include them being floppy and unresponsive, poor feeding, grunting when breathing and becoming irritable.
They usually develop the infection within the first few hours or days after being born.
Sometimes, in unconnected cases, it can happen in the weeks or months after birth – in which case symptoms can include vomiting. reduced consciousness and fever.
While most babies will make a full recovery, there is a chance of death – as a result of complications such as meningitis – or them being left with permanent problems, including hearing loss, vision loss and problems with memory.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
