Group B Streptococcus Isolated Pregnancy. Group B strep bacteria can cause infections in a pregnant woman and her baby. Some of the life-threatening complications of GBS infection in newborns include bacterial infection of the bloodstream septicaemia pneumonia and meningitis.
The Pregnancy screening for Group B Streptococcus GBS consumer brochure provides information to all pregnant women on screening and recommended treatment for GBS. In newborns however it can cause a serious illness known as group B strep disease. This bacterium can colonise the human genital and gastrointestinal tracts in low numbers.
It is generally found in the gastrointestinal tract vagina and urethra.
Screening for GBS is not routinely offered to all pregnant women in the UK. GBS stands for Group B Streptococcus. Group B Streptococcus GBS are bacteria found normally in the intestine vagina and rectum in about 25 of all healthy pregnant women. Group B strep streptococcus is a common bacterium often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract.