Fact Sheet: Group B Streptococci (Group B Strep, GBS), March 9, 2015

(2015) Fact Sheet: Group B Streptococci (Group B Strep, GBS), March 9, 2015. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

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Abstract

Beta hemolytic streptococci group B (Group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus agalactiae, or GBS) has been the leading bacterial cause of illness and death among newborns in the United States since the 1970’s. Disease in infants usually occurs as bacteremia, pneumonia, or meningitis. Infants with GBS disease may require prolonged hospitalization and expensive supportive therapy, and survivors may suffer permanent disability (e.g., loss of hearing or vision, or psychomotor retardation). The case-fatality rate for GBS is estimated to be 4% for newborns. About one-third of healthy adults carry GBS as normal bowel flora. GBS disease is relatively uncommon, except in newborns.