Group B Streptococcal Infections

Group B streptococci are a common cause of infection in babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunologically compromised adults. They are especially serious in newborns, in whom they can cause sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia. Group B streptococci are often present in people who show no symptoms of disease; these people are said to be “colonized.” Many infants are colonized before or during birth by mothers who unknowingly carry the bacteria. A small percentage of these develop disease, which can be life-threatening or can lead to lifelong neurological problems.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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