Strep B and Bladder Infections: Risks, Symptoms & Prevention

Strep B is a type of bacteria that may cause bladder infections in pregnant women, elderly people and people with certain chronic illnesses. Strep B can cause serious illnesses in infants; however, strep B may be completely harmless in healthy adults.

Definition

• Group B streptococcus, which may be referred to as strep B, is a type of bacteria typically found in the bowels and genital tract. It can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections and pneumonia in adults. Strep B infections can be life threatening for infants, causing pneumonia and meningitis.

Cystitis

• Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the bladder. A bladder infection, which is often caused by bacteria, may cause frequent urination and a painful, burning sensation upon urination.

Pregnancy

• Approximately 25 percent of pregnant women carry strep B, which may cause them to have a bladder infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Warning

• Strep B most commonly causes illness and infection in pregnant women, infants, elderly people and people with diabetes or liver disease, according to the CDC.

Treatment

• Bladder infections caused by bacteria, such as strep B, are generally treated with antibiotics. An urologist may be required to treat recurrent bladder infections.