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Strep B in Babies

Strep B is a bacterium that can cause serious complications in babies. It can cause infections in the bloodstream and brain. Strep B is often found colonized in the bowels or genital tract of healthy adults with no symptoms and no adverse health effects, but it can be passed from pregnant mothers to their babies before or during birth.

  1. Risk Factors

    • A baby has an increased risk of Strep B if the mother tested positive for Strep B late in pregnancy, her water breaks more than 18 hours before delivery, she has a temperature during labor, is carrying multiples or previously gave birth to a baby with Strep B. In addition, Strep B can occur if the baby has a sustained high heart rate during labor or is born prematurely.

    Types

    • There are two types of Strep B in babies.

      "Early-onset" Strep B occurs within the first week of life and is the more serious form of the disease. Babies with early-onset Strep B will be lethargic, have a fever and difficulty feeding.

      "Late-onset" Strep B occurs one week to a few months after bitrh and is only slightly less dangerous. Symptoms are similar in addition to an upper respiratory infection and seizures.

    Identification

    • Between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy there should be a routine Strep B test. The test involves a swab from the vagina and rectum that is sent to a lab for testing. If the mother is Strep B positive, it does not mean she will pass the illness to her child, but it does allow doctors to take the proper precautions during delivery.

      If a baby is suspected to have Strep B, blood or spinal fluid is tested for the bacterium. The lab test takes a day or two for results.

    Treatment

    • Pregnant women who test positive for Strep B are routinely given antibiotics during labor as this has been most effective in preventing the transfer to the baby. Antibiotics before labor may not help because the Strep B can recolonize in that time.

      Babies with Strep B are given IV antibiotics and other medications or oxygen depending on the symptoms they present.

    Complications

    • If left untreated, Strep B can cause pneumonia, meningitis or an infection in the bloodstream. The infection can be fatal in 5 to 15 percent of babies. Even after successful treatment, some infants can have remaining complications such as speech and vision problems, hearing loss and mental retardation.

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