How to test for group b streptococcus

If bacteria grow on the human body, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Bacteria can only be observed by humans using a microscope. If bacteria continue to multiply somewhere in the body, it will cause lesions in the human body. Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that can cause inflammation of the female vagina. This type of bacteria can only be discovered through a hospital examination. Let’s take a look at how to check for Group B Streptococcus.

Group B Streptococcus Testing and Treatment

The Group B Streptococcus test can be performed through vaginal sampling. The doctor will use a sterile cotton swab to insert into the vagina to collect the vaginal secretions of the expectant mother, and then send the sterile cotton swab to the laboratory for testing. If the test result is negative, it means that the mother does not carry Group B Streptococcus; if the test result is positive, the doctor will inject antibiotics into the mother during delivery and conduct necessary examinations and treatments on the newborn.

Group B Streptococcus is a bacterium with the scientific name Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae). It was first discovered in 1938. It can cause mastitis in cattle and seriously harm the animal husbandry industry. Therefore, it was taken seriously by the veterinary medical community in the early days.

The prevention of perinatal GBS infection in China can refer to the GBS prevention guidelines issued by the US CDC in 2010, and conduct vaginal and rectal GBS screening for pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation. This can improve prevention efficiency, save resources, and significantly reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Expectant mothers should pay attention to group B streptococcus testing

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria that often resides in the vagina and rectum. About 30% of women have Group B Streptococcus in their vagina. Group B Streptococcus can be found in healthy women and generally does not cause much harm, but may occasionally induce urethritis or vaginal discharge.

There is indeed a certain risk if Group B Streptococcus is found in an expectant mother. Because the baby may inhale secretions and be infected with Group B Streptococcus when passing through the birth canal during delivery. The possibility of the fetus being infected with this bacteria is only 1%-3%, but the impact on newborns is very serious, causing neonatal sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, etc., among which about 5% of newborns will die.