Group B Streptococcal Invasive Disease

Infectious agent:  Streptococcus agalacticae

Description of illness: Group B Strep (GBS) is often acquired in utero or during delivery, and occurs more frequently in low birth weight infants. In neonates two syndromes exist: early-onset (<7 days old) and late-onset (7-90 days old). Both can manifest as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. In adults, severe GBS  infections can manifest as bloodstream infections (including sepsis), pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and bone and joint infections. Pregnancy-related infections include bloodstream infections, amnionitis, urinary tract infection, and may cause stillbirth.