II. Epidemiology
- Group B Streptococcus is the most common US cause of Neonatal Sepsis and Meningitis
III. Pathophysiology
- Group B Streptococcus is a facultative Anaerobe, Gram Positive, cocci
- Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus
- Lancefield Group B (based on C Carbohydrate cell wall Antigen)
- Women are normally colonized with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in the vagina and Rectum
- Typically asymptomatic, although GBS may cause Urinary Tract Infections in healthy women
- Newborns may be GBS infected via vertical transmission during delivery
- Group B Streptococcus Neonatal Sepsis
- Group B Streptococcal Pneumonia
- Group B Streptococcal Meningitis
- Several strategies have been developed to prevent neonatal GBS infection
- Group B Streptococcus Culture at 36 weeks gestation
- Group B Streptococcus Prophylaxis in peripartum period after Rupture of Membranes
-
Immunocompromised patients may also become infected with Group B Streptococcus (e.g. Pneumonia, Sepsis)
- Risk Factors for GBS Infection in Immunocompromised Patients
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Cancer
- End-Stage Renal Disease
- Cirrhosis
- Elderly Nursing Home Patients
- Most Common GBS Infections in Non-Pregnant Patients
- Bacteremia and Sepsis without focus
- Cellulitis and other soft tissue and Skin Infections
- Other GBS Infections
- Risk Factors for GBS Infection in Immunocompromised Patients