Group B Streptococcus are bacteria found naturally in the digestive tract or the birth canal of pregnant women. Not only does it affect the pregnant woman, but also the newborns and other adults. Find out in this article, about group B strep symptoms.
Group B Streptococcus (strep) is a bacterium that causes deadly infections in the newborn infants and pregnant women. It also affects the elderly people with other diseases. Many carry these bacteria with no signs, symptoms or infections, but they unknowingly, slowly weaken the immune system. About 30 – 35% of pregnant women are colonized with these kinds of bacteria, and they are usually harmless if colonized, but it can lead to life-threatening consequences the moment it is allowed to enter the blood stream. Unknowingly, many pregnant women transmit these bacteria to their newborn infants at birth. Although most of the babies pick up the bacteria from the mothers carrying these micro-organisms, only a few actually fall prey to the severe group B strep disease. A blood test actually helps you know whether or not the bacteria have invaded the blood stream.
Group B Strep Symptoms
In Newborn Infants
Babies born to women carrying Streptococcus bacteria are usually healthy, but in a very rare case, the newborn infant may develop a serious group B strep disease. Usually, the babies infected with these bacteria show the following symptoms within 12 hours after birth, while others within a week or few months.
- Constipation
- Inconsolable crying
- Self propelled vomiting
- Reduced appetite or refuses to eat enough
- Sleeping too much
- Reddish blemishes on the skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Stiffened body
- Pale skin
- Blank stare
- Irritability
- Grunting
- Fever that leaves the hands and feet to turn cold
In Pregnant Women
Group B Streptococcus bacteria is generally found in the vaginal tract, bladder or the rectal area of a pregnant woman. Now, most of the women have them colonized, that is, they dwell in their body without entering the blood stream, and therefore are absolutely harmless. In such cases, where the bacteria colonize, the pregnant woman shows no prominent symptoms of their very existence. However, sometimes the bacteria get active and cause the following symptoms.
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Back pain
- Infection in the womb
- Vaginal bleeding
- Low blood pressure
- Miscarriage
- Pre term delivery
In Other Adults
Group B Streptococcus bacteria thrive in almost 50% of healthy adults without causing any harm, unless it invades the bloodstream. There are no typical symptoms to draw a conclusion of these bacteria being there, but a medical test does diagnose the presence of Streptococcus. They are said to impair the immune system without any signs or signals. Listed below are few of the symptoms in adults that are not the real test, but could a mark the presence of the Streptococcus bacteria.
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Redness of skin
- Fever accompanied with productive cough
- Swelling of joints
- Weakness
- Frequent UTI (urinary tract infection)
- Difficult or shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Irritation
- Meningitis (headache, neck stiffness and fever)
Although these bacteria affect all age groups and cause some serious infections or diseases, but with the help of blood tests and knowledge of the symptoms above, one can easily detect its presence and see a doctor for immediate preventive treatment. Preventive measures and treatment will help reduce the severity of this infection.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.
