Streptococcus

ß-streptococcus type B

ß-streptococci type B are bacteria that are found in the intestines and vagina of one in four healthy pregnant women, do not cause any symptoms and pose no danger to the pregnant woman. However, there is a risk for the newborn.

ß -streptococcus type B can be transmitted to the newborn during birth. It can lead to serious infections such as blood poisoning (sepsis) or meningitis.

The pathogen can be detected in the laboratory using a bacteriological smear from the vaginal entrance and around the anal opening. The smear test is carried out in our gynecologist's practice.

Treatment with antibiotics before the birth is not advisable as they cannot be permanently eliminated. You will therefore be given an antibiotic in the clinic during the birth. Extensive research has shown that this approach prevents the early form of ß-streptococcal infection in the newborn in the vast majority of cases.