What is Early Onset GBS Disease?
Early Onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease is a severe bacterial infection that occurs within the first week of life, typically within the first 24 hours. GBS is a common bacterium found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of adults. However, it can cause serious infections in newborns, leading to conditions such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
How is GBS Transmitted to Newborns?
GBS is usually transmitted from a mother to her newborn during labor and delivery. This transmission occurs when the baby comes into contact with the bacteria present in the mother's birth canal. Risk factors for transmission include premature birth, prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal fever during labor, and previous delivery of a GBS-infected infant.
Tachypnea or difficulty breathing
Lethargy or poor feeding
Temperature instability
Irritability
Hypotension
Apnea or periods of not breathing
How is Early Onset GBS Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of early onset GBS disease is typically based on clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and cultures. Blood cultures are crucial for confirming the presence of GBS bacteria. Additional tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), chest X-ray, and lumbar puncture to check for meningitis.
What are the Treatment Options for Early Onset GBS Disease?
The primary treatment for early onset GBS disease is intravenous antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic usually includes penicillin or ampicillin, often combined with gentamicin. Treatment is initiated as soon as the infection is suspected, even before laboratory results confirm the diagnosis, to reduce the risk of severe complications.
How Can Early Onset GBS Disease Be Prevented?
Prevention strategies focus on screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). Pregnant women are routinely screened for GBS colonization between 35-37 weeks of gestation. If a woman tests positive, she is given antibiotics during labor to prevent transmission to the newborn. This approach has significantly reduced the incidence of early onset GBS disease.
What is the Prognosis for Newborns with Early Onset GBS Disease?
The prognosis for newborns diagnosed with early onset GBS disease varies. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly. However, some infants may experience long-term sequelae, such as developmental delays, hearing loss, or cerebral palsy, particularly if the infection is severe or leads to conditions like meningitis.
Are There Any Long-Term Follow-Up Needs?
Infants who have had early onset GBS disease often require long-term follow-up to monitor for potential complications. Pediatricians may recommend regular developmental assessments and hearing tests to identify any issues early and initiate appropriate interventions.
