A GBS Infection Might Result In The Onset Of Meningitis In An Infant
Group B Strep is the most common source of sepsis and meningitis (a severe illness of the fluid of the spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain) in infants. Group B Strep is a bacterial infection that can harm an infant if the mother is carries the bacteria and transmits it during childbirth.
The bacteria commonly takes hold in the vagina and/or the lower intestine. It is found in about 1 out of every 4 adult women. However, it frequently does not cause an active infection or induce symptoms. Passing of the bacteria from expecting mother to the infant normally transpires during labor and delivery. The baby may be exposed to group b strep, such as, if the bacteria travels upward from the mother's vagina into the uterus after the membranes (bag of water) rupture. The baby may likewise be exposed to GBS when passing down through the birth canal. In this time period, the infant can consume or inhale the bacteria.
Approximately seventy five percent of instances of GBS in infants take place in the first week after birth, and most show up within several hours after birth. This is known as "early onset." The remaining develop a GBS infection from one week to several months after birth. This is referred to as "late onset" group b strep. In general, roughly one-half of instances of late onset may be linked to the baby's mother having been colonized with the bacteria. In the other cases of late onset, the source of the infection is unidentified.
Once the infant is exposed to the bacteria, it might enter the baby