GBS pneumonia can be early or late in onset.
GBS disease can occur in mothers before or after giving birth but this is less common than in babies. Infection in adults is rare although studies in recent years have shown a slight increase3. People with immune problems are at a slightly increased risk from GBS infection.
Mothers of babies affected sometimes feel distressed that they may have been the source of infection. It is important to remember that GBS bacteria are just one of many types of bacteria which naturally live in our bodies, and most babies are not affected by them.
Although the bacteria can be passed on, a person with GBS infection does not pose a risk to others in the community.
Although most babies who get this disease survive with no severe problems, it is a serious illness. Nearly 10% of babies2 affected do not survive, and those who recover may have after effects such as deafness, brain damage and problems with movement and co-ordination. The fatality rate is higher in premature babies.
Antibiotics can be given to women during labour or to babies after birth to kill the bacteria. These women can be identified by bacteriological screening, involving taking swabs from the vagina and rectum, or by risk-factor based screening. Risk factors for GBS infection may include having a previous baby with GBS, premature delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, or when the mother herself is feverish during delivery, or ill with GBS.
The study mentioned above contributed to UK guidelines developed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists4. In Ireland each hospital has its own protocol on GBS, and these are generally similar to the RCOG guidelines. Screening for GBS is not routinely done in Ireland or the UK.
Immunisation of mothers could also prevent GBS, and several potential vaccines are in development.
References
- Heath P & Feldman RG. Vaccination against Group B streptococcus. Expert Review Vaccines 2005 (2):207-18
- Heath P et al. Group B streptococcal disease in UK and Irish infants younger than 90 days. Lancet 2004; 363: 292 – 294
- Keshishian C, Lamagni TL, Nunn S & Efstratiou A. The changing epidemiology of invasive group B streptococcal disease in England & Wales, 1990 - 2003. Health Protection Agency Annual Conference 12 - 14th September, 2004; Oral 182
- Prevention of early onset neonatal group B streptococcal disease. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists November 2003; Guideline No. 36