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Is B Strep Always Present in Your Urine?

Group B streptococcus is a common bacteria that sometimes causes serious ailments in newborns and adults with chronic medical conditions. Healthy individuals may sometimes carry group B strep bacteria in their urinary tract or other areas of the body.

  1. The Facts

    • Group B strep is commonly found in the body and typically causes no health concerns, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In addition to the urinary tract, group B bacteria can inhabit the digestive and reproductive tracts of both men and women.

    Varying Presence

    • The amount of group B strep in the body can vary over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some individuals may have a permanent presence, while in others the bacteria may come and go intermittently or remain in the body for only a short period of time.

    Presence in Women

    • The American Pregnancy Association notes that group B strep is present in roughly 15 to 40 percent of all healthy women.

    Significance

    • The presence of group B strep in the urinary tract can trigger a urinary tract infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Considerations

    • While some individuals with chronic medical conditions develop more serious group B strep infections, others do not, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors do not know the reason for these varying effects.

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