What is Group B Streptococci?

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Group B Streptococci  (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a type of bacteria that occurs naturally in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts of both men and women.  About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS, which is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns, according to the US  Centers  for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). GBS can also infect babies during pregnancy and the first few months of life.

Not all children exposed to GBS become infected, but for those who do, the consequences can be devastating. GBS can cause abortions, stillbirths, premature babies, the very ill, lifelong disadvantages or death. Even children born to a mother whose test passed  negative, they can become infected with streptococci  group B.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help protect children from streptococci  group B.  

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