What are the risks of GBS?
In the United States, GBS bacteria are a leading cause of meningitis and bloodstream infections in a newborn's first three months of life. Newborns are at increased risk for GBS disease if their mother tests positive for the bacteria late in pregnancy. 2 to 3 in every 50 babies (4–6%) who develop GBS disease die.
GBS can cause urinary tract infections (typically involving only the bladder), infection of the amniotic fluid (the "bag of water" surrounding the fetus), and infection of the uterus after delivery. GBS infections during pregnancy may lead to preterm labor or, if the baby is infected while in the uterus, stillbirth.
In Guillain-Barré syndrome, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves. Most cases usually start a few days or weeks following a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally surgery will trigger the syndrome. In rare cases vaccinations may increase the risk of GBS.
Eat a balanced diet and make sure to get enough fruits and vegetables, complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats, and even add in some cultured foods that support healthy gut and vaginal health, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha. Stay hydrated: Drink at least 10-12 cups of water every day.
Like many bacteria, GBS may be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, for example, hand contact, kissing, close physical contact, etc. As GBS is often found in the vagina and rectum of colonised women, it can be passed through sexual contact.
Being GBS positive should not affect when or how you deliver or the speed of your labor. However, if you've tested positive for GBS, your doctor will order an IV antibiotic during your labor to reduce the risk of passing GBS to your baby.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a well-recognized cause of infection in neonates and pregnant women [1–3]. GBS also causes invasive infections in nonpregnant adults, especially among the elderly and adults with chronic medical conditions [4–8], resulting in significant morbidity and mortality rates [8–10].
Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the association between injury and GBS has not yet been completely elucidated, we consider that injury-related GBS may involve various biochemical cascades and immunologic responses resulting from psychological stress, physical damage, and pain.
Group B strep infection (also GBS or group B Streptococcus) is caused by bacteria typically found in a person's vagina or rectal area. About 25% of pregnant people have GBS, but don't know it because it doesn't cause symptoms. A pregnant person with GBS can pass the bacteria to their baby during vaginal delivery.
Group B strep colonization is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).. One of every four or five pregnant women carries GBS in the rectum or vagina. A fetus may come in contact with GBS before or during birth if the mother carries GBS in the rectum or vagina.
Can GBS be permanent?
Symptoms can progress over hours, days, or weeks. But most people start to recover 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms first start. Recovery may take as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. Most people recover fully, but some have permanent nerve damage.
Possible long-term problems
weakness in your arms, legs or face. numbness, pain or a tingling or burning sensation. balance and co-ordination problems. extreme tiredness.
If you have just tested for group B Strep carriage, whatever the result, please don't worry. Carrying GBS is perfectly normal and natural and does not post a health risk or cause symptoms in the person carrying the bacteria.
Adults. Serious GBS infections, such as bacteremia, sepsis, and pneumonia, can also be deadly for adults. On average, about 1 in 20 non-pregnant adults with serious GBS infections dies. Risk of death is lower among younger adults and adults who do not have other medical conditions.
Fortunately, those diagnosed with GBS currently have a positive long-term outlook and life expectancy with the initiation of prompt intensive care, and successful treatment of infection.