Symptoms of group B Strep infection in babies Early-onset
Late-onset
Two out of every three group B Strep infections
Late-onset group B Strep infection occurs after
in babies are of early onset, showing in their
a baby’s first six days of life, is uncommon after
first six days of life. Of these, almost nine out of
a month and rare after three months.
every 10 show signs within 12 hours of birth.
Late-onset (LOGBS) infection in babies usually presents
Early-onset group B Strep (EOGBS) infection in babies
as meningitis and septicaemia.
usually presents as septicaemia or pneumonia. Less frequently, it presents as meningitis. Typical signs of early onset group B Strep infection include: • Rapid breathing or stopping breathing
Typical signs of late-onset group B Strep infection are similar to those associated with early onset infection and also include signs associated with meningitis such as:
• Making grunting sounds
• Being irritable with high pitched/whimpering cry, or moaning
• Poor feeding
• Blank, staring or trance-like expression
• Being abnormally drowsy (lethargic)
• Floppy, may dislike being handled, be fretful
• Being irritable.
• Tense of bulging fontanelle (soft spot on babies’ heads)
• High/Low temperature
• Turns away from bright light
• High/Low heart rate
• Involuntary stiff body or jerking movements
• Low blood pressure • Low blood sugar Most EOGBS infection can be prevented by giving intravenous antibiotics in labour to Mums whose babies are at increased risk.
Until a vaccine is developed, there are no known ways of preventing LOGBS infection in babies. Recognising the symptoms is essential - early treatment is vital.
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