How does GBS disease affect newborns?
Approximately one of every 100 to 200 babies whose mothers carry GBS develop signs and symptoms of GBS disease. Three-fourths of the cases of GBS disease among newborns occur in the first week of life (“early-onset disease”), and most of these cases are apparent a few hours after birth. Sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis are the most common problems. Premature babies are more susceptible to GBS infection than full-term babies, but most (75%) babies who get GBS disease are full term. GBS disease may also develop in infants one week to several months after birth (“late-onset disease”). Meningitis is more common with late-onset GBS disease. Only about half of late-onset GBS disease among newborns comes from a mother who is a GBS carrier; the source of infection for others with late-onset GBS disease is unknown. Late-onset disease is very rare. How is GBS disease diagnosed and treated?
Approximately 1%-2% of babies who are colonized with GBS develop signs and symptoms of GBS disease. Three-fourths of the cases of GBS disease among newborns occur in the first week of life (“early-onset disease”), and most of these cases are apparent a few hours after birth. Sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis are the most common problems. Premature babies are more susceptible to GBS infection than full-term babies, but most (75%) babies who get GBS disease are full term. GBS disease may also develop in infants 1 week to several months after birth (“late-onset disease”). Meningitis is more common with late-onset GBS disease. Only about half of late-onset GBS disease among newborns comes from a mother who is colonized with GBS; the source of infection for others with late-onset GBS disease is unknown. How is GBS disease diagnosed and treated? GBS disease is diagnosed when the bacterium is grown from usual sterile body fluids, such as blood or spinal fluid. Cultures take a few days to comp
About half of the cases of GBS disease among newborns happen in the first week of life (“early-onset disease”), and most of these cases start a few hours after birth. Sepsis, pneumonia (infection in the lungs), and meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining around the brain) are the most common problems. Premature babies are more at risk of getting a GBS infection, but most babies who become sick from GBS are full-term. GBS disease may also develop in infants one week to several months after birth (“late-onset disease”). Meningitis is more common with late-onset GBS disease. Only about half of late-onset GBS disease among newborns comes from a mother who is a GBS carrier; the source of infection for others with late-onset GBS disease can be hard to figure out. Late-onset disease is slightly less common than early-onset disease. Can GBS disease among newborns be prevented? Yes!
Approximately one of every 100 to 200 babies whose mothers carry GBS develop signs and symptoms of GBS disease. Three-fourths of the cases of GBS disease among newborns occur in the first week of life (“early-onset disease”), and most of these cases are apparent a few hours after birth. Sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis are the most common problems. Premature babies are more susceptible to GBS infection than full-term babies, but most (75%) babies who get GBS disease are full term. GBS disease may also develop in infants 1 week to several months after birth (“late-onset disease”). Meningitis is more common with late-onset GBS disease. Only about half of late-onset GBS disease among newborns comes from a mother who is a GBS carrier; the source of infection for others with late-onset GBS disease is unknown. Late-onset disease is very rare. How Is GBS Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
Approximately one of every 100 to 200 babies whose mothers carry GBS develop signs and symptoms of GBS disease. Three-fourths of the cases of GBS disease among newborns occur in the first week of life (“early-onset disease”), and most of these cases are apparent a few hours after birth. Sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis are the most common problems. Premature babies are more susceptible to GBS infection than full-term babies, but most (75%) babies who get GBS disease are full term. GBS disease may also develop in infants one week to several months after birth (“late-onset disease”). Meningitis is more common with late-onset GBS disease. Only aboiut half of late-onset GBS disease among newborns comes from a mother who is a GBS carrier; the source of the infection for others with late-onset GBS disease is unknown. Late-onset disease is very rare.
