GBS (2) Streptococcus B and pregnancy

How does the baby become infected?

When should it be screened?

How to avoid GBS infection?

Dr. Claude Allouche, gynecologist
Ahuza Clinic, Ra'anana
058 726 02 64
 

How does the baby become infected?

The transmission of the bacteria from mother to child occurs at the time of childbirth by natural means:
 
- When the baby passes through the vagina, by inhalation or ingestion of vaginal secretions colonized by GBS;

- in case of rupture of the water bag, by inhalation or ingestion of contaminated amniotic fluid.
 
Transmission can also occur after birth, through direct contact with a colonized person if hygienic conditions are poor (insufficient hand washing).
 
If GBS is present in the mother at the time of delivery, the bacteria can infect the child in one out of two cases.
Breastfeeding is not contraindicated if the mother is a carrier of Streptococcus B.

When should it be screened?

In pregnant women, it is recommended to carry out systematic screening for Streptococcus B carriage between 34 and 38 weeks of amenorrhea.
This screening is carried out by taking a vaginal swab using a swab (a kind of cotton swab).
This examination is simple and painless.
The swab is then cultured to look for the bacteria.
 
In certain situations, the risk of infection for the mother and the baby is high and screening is not necessary:
 
- in the event of a history of GBS infection during a previous pregnancy;
- If it was found in the mother's urine during pregnancy;
- If it was found in a vaginal swab during pregnancy.

How to avoid GBS infection?

To prevent the risk of infection, an antibiotic treatment is administered to the mother by intravenous infusion during childbirth (we speak of antibiotic prophylaxis).
 
This antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of infection for the baby and the mother by 80%.
 
This treatment is only carried out in situations with a high risk of infection for the mother and the baby after delivery:
 
- Positive screening on the vaginal swab at the end of pregnancy;
 
- History of GBS infection during a previous pregnancy
 
- GBS found in the mother's urine during pregnancy

- GBS found in a vaginal swab during pregnancy;

- Delivery before 37 weeks of amenorrhea;
 
- Fever during childbirth;
 
- Rupture of the bag of waters for more than 18 hours.
 
If you think you are allergic to an antibiotic, you should tell your doctor. This will allow the antibiotic treatment to be adapted according to your known allergies.
 
If the bacterium was isolated in the urine or the vagina of the mother at the start of pregnancy, treatment is not recommended immediately, except in the event of bothersome symptoms (itching, abundant vaginal discharge).
Indeed, treatment during pregnancy does not prevent the bacteria from being present at the time of delivery.
 
If screening has not been carried out, antibiotic treatment will only be administered in other situations where there is a high risk of infection for the mother and the baby.
 
Finally, if despite preventive measures (antibiotic prophylaxis), an infection occurs, antibiotic treatment will be administered to the baby or to the mother as appropriate.
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summary in a few words (1-6)

 GBS is a bacteria that can be found in the vagina of some women without causing symptoms.
 However, this bacterium is dangerous for pregnant women and their babies, in whom it is responsible for serious infections following childbirth.

 It is therefore sought after at the end of pregnancy. Screening is performed by taking a vaginal swab between 34 and 38 weeks of amenorrhea.

 If the research is positive, antibiotic treatment is administered to the mother during childbirth. This treatment limits the risk of infection and transmission of the bacteria to the newborn.

 Streptococcus B or Group B Streptococcus can also be called by its Latin name: Streptococcus agalactiae. It is commonly called in Israel by its Anglo-Saxon abbreviation GBS (Group B Streptococcus)
 
It is a bacterium that can be found in men or women, in the digestive tract or the vagina. Most often, its presence is inconsequential.
 
Thus, the bacterium can be found in some women during a sample from the vagina, without causing symptoms: it is then said that it colonizes the vagina.
 
Outside of pregnancy, Strep B can also sometimes be responsible for mild infections that are easily treated with standard antibiotics.
 
In pregnant women and newborns, the bacteria can cause serious infections in the days or months following birth. It is the most common cause of serious infections in newborns.
Hence the importance of detecting it at the end of pregnancy and treating it at the time of delivery if the screening has been positive.