Group B strep disease

Diagnosis

After 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.

Treatment

Infants

If 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.

Adults

Antibiotics 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.