What is GBS Awareness Month?

GBS Awareness Month takes place every July, and is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a normal bacterium which colonises 20-30% of adults in the UK, usually without any symptoms or side-effects. It is most commonly found in the intestines, as part of the normal gut flora (bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract). Furthermore, it is often found in the vagina of adult women, and is known as a ‘commensal’ – a harmless organism which lives on another.

GBS can, however, occasionally cause infection, most commonly in newborn babies. Moreover, GBS causes infection in adults (typically women during pregnancy or after birth, the elderly and people with serious underlying medical conditions which impair their immune system), but this is uncommon. More rarely, infection arises during pregnancy and prior to labour.

Did you know that GBS is not a sexually transmitted disease? Treatment of a woman and of her partner carrying GBS does not prevent re-colonisation.

GBS is a recognised cause of preterm delivery, maternal infections, stillbirths and late miscarriages.

In newborn babies, there are two types of GBS disease that will be explained below: early and late-onset.

Early onset:

Roughly 75% of GBS disease is early-onset. This happens in the first 6 days of life and is usually apparent at birth. Early-onset GBS disease is normally characterised by the rapid development of breathing problems, associated with blood poisoning.

Late onset:

Late-onset disease is usually present as GBS meningitis. This occurs after the baby is 6 days old and, normally, by age 1 month but, seldom, up to age 3 months. After age 3 months, GBS infection in babies is extremely unusual.

It is important to appreciate that preterm babies are known to be at particular risk of GBS infection, as their immune systems are not as well developed as those of full-term babies.

Do you want to learn more and offer your support?

To broaden your knowledge of GBS, to learn all the different ways you can get involved and help make a huge difference, the required information is available on the following website:

http://gbss.org.uk/campaigning/gbs-awareness-month/

Do you know anyone with GBS? Many families and babies affected are depending on your support, which will mean a lot to them. The more people who help, the better, so do not hesitate to spread the word. In addition, make sure you use #GBSaware wherever you can.

Together, anything is possible.