What is Group Strep B?
Group B Streptococcus (Group Strep B), also referred to as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a type of bacteria that commonly colonises the gastrointestinal and genital tracts.
Group Strep B is generally harmless, with most people not even realising that they have it, but it can cause issues for:
- Young babies – Group Strep B is a leading cause of bacterial infections in newborns, causing conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis (bloodstream infection), and meningitis. Infected newborns may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, and poor feeding.
- Pregnant women – Group Strep B can colonise the genital tract of pregnant women without causing symptoms. However, during childbirth, there is a risk of transmission to the baby, leading to potential infections. Therefore, pregnant women are routinely screened for Group Strep B colonisation around 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. If positive, intravenous antibiotics are administered during labour to prevent transmission to the baby.
- Those with weakened immune systems – infections can occur in individuals with certain risk factors such as diabetes, advanced age, or compromised immune systems. Group Strep B infections in adults most commonly manifest as urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or soft tissue infections.
Group Strep B can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces.
Group Strep B infections can be life-threatening, particularly for young babies, and may cause long-term neurological complications or worse death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Treating Group Strep B
Group Strep B can usually be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, and cefazolin. Pregnant women are administered intravenous antibiotics during labour. For newborns and adults with Group Strep B infections, antibiotics are administered to treat the specific infection.
Prevention and management of Group Strep B infections primarily involve screening pregnant women, administering antibiotics during labour when necessary, and providing appropriate treatment for infected individuals.
In some cases, certain Group Strep B strains have a resistance to certain antibiotics. This can complicate treatment, require alternative forms of treatment, and increase the risk of severe infections.
Group Strep B infections can usually be prevented or effectively managed through proper screening and administration of antibiotics during labour for pregnant women. Diagnosing and treating the condition as early as possible is vital in reducing the risk of complications in both newborns and adults.
Group Strep B compensation claims
When Group Strep B infections occur, the early detection and timely administration of appropriate antibiotics are the most important factors in improving the outcome for patients.
Unfortunately, patients can be misdiagnosed or there can be a delay in them being diagnosed, which can lead to complications or worse. If this happens families may consider making a claim for medical negligence if they believe that healthcare professionals failed to provide the appropriate standard of care.
When pursuing Group B Strep claims, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a specialist solicitor who can assess the details of the case, including the medical records and evidence, to determine whether there are grounds for a claim.
How can we help?
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with a member of our expert Medical Negligence team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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