Group B streptococcal infection

Description

A sickness caused by certain species of streptococci bacteria, also called group B strep.

Overview

Group B strep infections are caused by bacteria often found in the intestines or lower genital tract. The bacteria may come and go in the body. Exposure to group B strep can cause serious illness in some people.

Symptoms

Group B strep infections in babies may cause fever or low body temperature, low muscle tone, or seizures, among other symptoms. In some adults, infections can happen in the urinary tract, blood, lungs, bones, joints, or in the skin or soft tissue.

Treatments

Group B strep infections are treated with medicine that targets the bacteria, called antibiotics.