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What Is Beta Strep?

Beta strep, which is commonly referred to as Group B streptococcus or Group B strep, is a bacteria that lives inside many healthy people. Although most people live with the bacteria with no symptoms or complications, there are some people in which complications can result.

  1. Identification

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, beta strep lives in the throat, vagina, bowel, rectum or bladder of many adults.

    Significance

    • Pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or adults older than 65 may have complications from beta strep.

    Effects

    • In individuals with conditions that affect the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV or liver disease, serious infections can result from beta strep. Pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during delivery, so a screening is done during the third trimester to check a pregnant woman for Group B strep.

    Treatment

    • Individuals with no risks do not usually need treatment for beta strep. Antibiotics are given to individuals older than 65, people with chronic diseases and pregnant women during labor to prevent the bacteria from being transmitted to the baby.

    Potential

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a vaccine for Group B strep is being worked on by researchers to help prevent infections that result from the bacteria.

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