Group B streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, S. agalactiae, or GBS, is a bacterium naturally present in the gastrointestinal, urinary, and vaginal tracts without causing symptoms; However, in some situations, this bacteria is able to colonize the vagina and can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, for example, because in the absence of symptoms, the bacteria can pass from the mother to the baby, which can be serious in some cases.
As there is a risk of baby contamination, the recommendation is that between week 35 and 37 of gestation a laboratory test popularly known as a swab is performed to verify the presence and quantity of strep B and, therefore, there may be planning treatment during delivery.
- O exame do cotonete é um exame que deve ser realizado entre a 35ª e a 37ª semana de gestação e que tem como objetivo identificar a presença da bactéria Streptococcus agalactiae e sua quantidade.
- Esse exame é feito no laboratório e consiste na coleta.
- Usando um swab.
- De amostras da vagina e do ânus.
- Já que são os locais em que se pode verificar com mais facilidade a presença dessa bactéria.
After sampling, swabs are sent to the lab for analysis and the result is spread between 24 and 48 hours.If the test is positive, your doctor checks for symptoms of infection and, if necessary, may indicate treatment, which is done directly into the antibiotic vein a few hours before and during delivery.
O tratamento antes do parto não é indicado pelo fato de ser uma bactéria encontrada normalmente no organismo e, caso seja feito antes do parto, é possível que haja as bactérias voltem a crescer, representando risco para o bebê.
The woman can become infected with S.agalactiae at any time during pregnancy, as the bacteria is naturally present in the urinary tract.When the infection is not treated properly or the identification test is not performed, the bacteria may pass to the baby, generating signs and symptoms, the main ones being:
Depending on the age at which signs and symptoms of group B strep infection appear in the baby, the infection may be classified as follows:
If there are symptoms of infection during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment to avoid complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage or premature delivery, for example, although this was done as a treatment to combat S.agalactiae during pregnancy.During pregnancy, it is important for the pregnant woman to take the cotton swab to identify the bacteria and prevent it from being transmitted to the baby.
Learn how to recognize group B strep symptoms and how treatment is done.
Some situations increase the risk of mother-to-child transmission of bacteria, the main ones being:
If there is a high risk of transmission of the bacteria from mother to baby, treatment is done during delivery by administering antibiotics directly into the vein.To avoid complications, see what tests should be done during the third trimester of pregnancy.