Group B strep

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Adults
You're at increased risk of a group B strep infection if:

  • You have a medical condition that impairs your immune system, such as diabetes, HIV infection, cancer or liver disease
  • You're older than 65, particularly if you live in a nursing home

Infants
Your infant is at increased risk of developing group B strep disease if:

  • You carry group B strep in your body
  • Your baby is born prematurely (earlier than 37 weeks)
  • Your water breaks 18 hours or more before delivery
  • You have an infection of the placental tissues and amniotic fluid (chorioamnionitis)
  • Group B strep bacteria has been detected in your urine (bacteriuria) during pregnancy (either your current pregnancy or previous pregnancies)
  • Your temperature is greater than 100 F (38 C) during labor
  • Your baby has a sustained rapid heartbeat during labor
  • You've had prior delivery of an infant with group B strep disease
  • You're carrying twins or other multiples
References
  1. Repke JT, et al. Patient information: Group B streptococcus and pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  2. Group B strep prevention: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/GroupBStrep/general/gen_public_faq.htm. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
  3. Group B strep prevention: Beyond newborns and mothers - some facts about group B strep disease in the rest of the population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/general/gen_public_adult.htm. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
  4. Group B strep prevention: Protect your baby from group B strep! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/general/protect-your-baby-GBS.htm. Accessed Sept. 2, 2008.
  5. Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  6. Urinary tract infections in women. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/gen-health/190.html.  Accessed Sept. 16, 2008.
  7. Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in neonates and young infants. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
  8. Baron M, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in nonpregnant adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.

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Dec. 5, 2008

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