Common bacteria found in the genital tract (20-40% of women)
Pathophysiology
Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a commensal bacterium found in the vagina or rectum of ~25% of pregnant women
In most cases, this colonisation causes no symptoms or sequelae
However, sometimes, particularly in the presence of certain risk factors, GBS can cause an infection (typically sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis) in the neonate - early onset GBS disease of the newborn
Risks increase with pre-term birth, prolonged ROM, raised temperature
Investigations
Vaginal and rectal swabs - culture or PCR
RCOG recommends that it is not screened for routinely, so only women identified as being high risk for GBS infection will be tested
May include those with symptoms of UTI or chorioamnionitis during pregnancy, those with STI symptoms pre-pregnancy or those with a previous GBS infected baby
Management
Offer intrapatrum antibiotic prophylaxis (benzylpenicillin or clindamycin) if:
GBS detected antenatally
Previous baby has been affected by GBS infection
Delivery <37 weeks
If chorioamnitis - consider broad spectrum antibiotics
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