Group B Strep & UTI Treatment: Symptoms, Causes & Antibiotics

Group B strep refers to a bacteria found in the bowels, vagina, throat, or bladder. Group B strep may not harm healthy adults; however, it may cause a urinary tract infection, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Definition

• Group A and Group B are the two types of streptococcal infection, which may also be referred to as strep.

Infection

• A urinary tract infection is an infection of any part of the urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include a burning sensation during urination and blood in the urine.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are generally used to treat urinary tract infections in healthy adults, according to the Mayo Clinic. A physician may also prescribe an analgesic drug to relieve pain during urination.

Types

• Pregnant women who are carriers for group B strep may receive intravenous antibiotics during labor to help avoid passing group B strep on to their babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Considerations

• Group B strep can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as pneumonia and meningitis, in infants, according to Medline Plus.