What Are the Treatments for Neonatal Strep B?

Group B streptococcus is a bacteria that can cause serious infections. Group B infections are especially dangerous for newborns, who typically contract the bacteria during delivery.

Significance

• According to the March of Dimes, approximately 25 percent of all pregnant women have group b strep bacteria present in their rectal or vaginal area. Each year, about one of every 3,000 babies is infected with group B strep during delivery.

Identification

• Pregnant women are routinely screened for group B strep during their third trimester of pregnancy.

Maternal Treatment

• If a woman has tested positive for group B strep, she will receive intravenous antibiotics such as ampicillin and penicillin during delivery to kill the bacteria.

Infant Treatment

• Infants who contract group B strep require aggressive treatment because the infection can be fatal. Treatments may include intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and other medications.

Infant Complications

• Untreated group B strep can lead to complications in infants such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.