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Group B strep

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Group B streptococcus, known as group B strep, is one of many kinds of streptococcus bacteria that infect humans. Group B strep can live in a healthy person's body without causing illness. But it can be life-threatening.

People who are at risk for severe group B strep infection include newborns who catch it from their mothers during childbirth and people who have weakened immune systems (as from chronic illness or cancer treatment).

Group B strep is treated with antibiotics. Testing for group B strep is done during pregnancy. To prevent newborn infection, anyone with group B strep infection is treated in the last weeks of pregnancy or during labor.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.