In 20-36% of pregnant women, streptococci of serogroup B are found in the genital area.Normally, these bacteria are harmless. They are also found on the skin and in the intestines. However, they are also involved in many diseases, such as wound infections or pneumonias (lung infections).
During birth, the bacteria can be transmitted from mother to child, causing severe infection in the child either in the first week after birth (early onset) or during the next one to six weeks (late onset). The former occurs primarily in premature infants. The late onset infection can also be caused by caregivers; the early form is always caused by the mother.
1 in 1,000 newborns suffer streptococcal infection. The lethality (mortality) is one quarter of those affected. It is mainly dominated by meningitis (meningitis).
The following symptoms and complaints of the newborn indicate such an infection:
- Sepsis (blood poisoning)
- Pneumonia (pneumonia)
- Meningitis (meningitis)
Every pregnant woman between the 35th and 36th week of pregnancy should be examined for streptococci serogroup B.This examination is done by vaginal swab. A bacterial culture is then prepared in the laboratory and checked for the presence of B streptococci.
If the result is positive, that is, B streptococci are detected, the risk of infection of the child can be minimized by targeted administration of antibiotics at birth.This antibiotic treatment is recommended for:
- Premature births before the completed 37th week.
- Duration between rupture of the membranes and delivery of more than 12 hours.
- Fever of the pregnant woman during childbirth above 38 °C.
- Streptococcal infection during previous births.
- Urinary tract infection due to B streptococcus in pregnancy.
- Signs of infection in the mother and / or child
