Pathogens
Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B

Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

  • Facultarive
  • Gram-positive diplococci
  • Beta-hemolytic

Common inhabitants of human gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract

  • ~ 10-40% of females may be colonized
  • May be associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy

Vertical transmission from mother possible (50%)

Major cause of perinatal infections, including bacteremia, endometritis, chorioamnionitis.

UTI in pregnant women and systemic and focal infections in neonates and young infants.

Can also cause systemic infection in immunocompromised adults and those 65 years and older.

Penicillin G remains drug of choice

  • 5,000,000 units IV x1, then 2,500,000 units q4h until delivery

Rapid testing done at HGH