Print DiagnosisAfter you give birth, if your doctor suspects your baby has group B strep disease, a sample of your baby's blood or spinal fluid will be sent to a lab for evaluation. If your baby appears ill, he or she might be given other tests, including: Urine culture Lumbar puncture Chest X-ray For adults who are diagnosed with an infection, a blood test can determine if group B strep is the cause. Identifying the cause may be important for determining the appropriate treatment. TreatmentInfantsIf your baby tests positive for group B strep, he or she will be given intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Depending on your baby's condition, he or she might need IV fluids, oxygen or other medications. AdultsAntibiotics are effective treatment for group B strep infection in adults. The choice of antibiotic depends on the location and extent of the infection and your specific circumstances. If you're pregnant and you develop complications due to group B strep, you'll be given oral antibiotics, usually penicillin, amoxicillin (Amoxil, Larotid) or cephalexin (Keflex). All are considered safe to take during pregnancy. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes Sept. 21, 2021 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references AskMayoExpert. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in neonates and young infants. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 16, 2019. Group B strep (GBS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/index.html. Accessed July 16, 2019. Puopolo KM, et al. Management of infants at risk for Group B streptococcal disease. Pediatrics. 2019;144:e1881. Puopolo KM, et al. Group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 12, 2021. Partin AW, et al., eds. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 12, 2021. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee opinion No. 797: Prevention of group B streptococcal early-onset disease in newborns. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020; doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003668. Related Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Group B strep diseaseSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20164015 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Group B strep disease