What does colonized mean in pregnancy?

Group B Streptococcus also known as Group B Strep Infection (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum of about 25% of all healthy, adult women. Women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized.

How do you get colonized with group B strep?

Maternal colonization is the principal route of GBS transmission in early-onset infections as bacteria can spread either in utero by ascending infection or during birth through neonatal aspiration of contaminated amniotic or vaginal fluids (Maisey et al., 2008a; Rajagopal, 2009; Verani et al., 2010).

Will I have to be induced if I have group B strep?

If you are known to carry GBS and your waters break before labour starts, you should be offered immediate induction plus intravenous antibiotics because of the increased risk of early-onset GBS infection developing in babies after prolonged rupture of membranes.

How did I get strep B in pregnancy?

Group B strep bacteria aren’t sexually transmitted, and they’re not spread through food or water. How the bacteria are spread to anyone other than newborns isn’t known. Group B strep can spread to a baby during a vaginal delivery if the baby is exposed to — or swallows — fluids containing group B strep.

What is a group B streptococcus carrier?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that naturally lives in the intestines and migrates down to the urinary tract, vagina and/or rectum. (Group B strep is not a sexually transmitted disease.) Both men and women can be “carriers” or are “colonized” with GBS.

What is Group B Strep culture?

Group B streptococci (GBS) are a subset of streptococci that commonly cause infections. They are hemolytic , meaning they can kill the red blood cells ( RBCs ) The Streptococcus Genital Culture is used to help assess the levels of streptococcus bacteria in the genitals.

How does strep throat affect pregnancy?

Strep throat affects a pregnant woman in a way that the patient will be feeling uncomfortable and inconvenient. Difficulty in swallowing is just one of the problems that can be triggered by the disease. Moreover, there is also the risk that the baby may also experience ailments that can be disastrous to the health of both mother and child.

What is adequate GBS treatment?

Doctors usually treat GBS disease with a type of antibiotic called beta-lactams, which includes penicillin and ampicillin. Sometimes people with soft tissue and bone infections may need additional treatment, such as surgery.