Streptococcus Agalactiae Infections

Streptococcus Agalactiae, also referred to as group B strep infection, is a common bacteria found in the human body. Typically, in otherwise healthy adults, streptococcus agalactiae is harmless. However, in pregnant woman, group B strep infection can pose a serious threat to newborns.

Adults

• Adults infected with group B strep may display symptoms of pneumonia or develop a urinary tract infection.

Infants

• Infants infected with early-onset of group B strep may develop fever, have trouble feeding or become lethargic. According to the Mayo Clinic, newborns "typically becomes sick within 12 hours after birth."

Late Stage

• Newborns infected with later stage group B strep may display symptoms of the illness one week after birth. Symptoms may include fever, seizures and respiratory infection.

Diagnosis

• Pregnant woman should have a strep B test done between week 35 and 37 of pregnancy. Newborns suspected of being infected with group B may require a blood or spinal fluid sample to determine infection.

Treatment

• Typical treatment of infants infected with strep B may include intravenous antibiotics. Adults may be treated with oral antibiotics.