The GBS test is a test that detects streptococci of the GBS group in the vagina, which should be performed in every pregnant woman. GBS streptococci can be passed from mother to baby during labor and can then lead to pneumonia or meningitis in the newborn, and even life-threatening sepsis. Check out the GBS study.

GBS testis a test that detects GBS streptococci in the vagina, which - according to the recommendations of the Polish Gynecological Society - should be performed in all women between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. There is a risk that a woman who carries the bacteria will transfer them to her baby during childbirth, with potentially serious consequences for the he alth of the baby. Knowing the results of the GBS test, your doctor can initiate appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of infection.

Streptococci from the GBS group - why are they dangerous to the he alth of a child?

Streptococci from the GBS group ( Streptococcus agalactie , group B streptococcus) naturally live in the digestive tract. Since its terminal section and the genital tract and urinary tract are in close proximity, streptococci sometimes pass into the vagina and / or urethra. The presence of GBS is found in 10-30 percent. he althy women who often do not know it because they do not develop symptoms of inflammation. However, for them, the bacterium is not dangerous. It is a threat during pregnancy, as this condition favors the rapid multiplication of streptococcus in the vagina. If pathogens colonize the genital tract massively, there is a risk that the bacteria will spread to the baby during delivery, leading to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, meningitis and even sepsis in the newborn.

GBS study - indications

GBS examination should be performed in all pregnant women, especially in those who:

  • can give birth before the due date
  • have diabetes
  • gave birth to an infected child

because they have a very high risk of transmitting bacteria to their baby.

GBS research - what is it?

The doctor takes one swab from the vestibule and the other from the anal area. Then it places the so-called swabs (sampled applicators)on the transport ground.

The waiting time for the test results is about 5 days.

GBS study - results

GBS negative means that there are no GBS streptococci in the woman's vagina. GBS supplements indicate the presence of these bacteria in the vagina.

GBS study - perinatal antibiotic therapy

In pregnant women with a positive test result, perinatal antibiotic therapy is used to prevent infection in the newborn. The patient is given intravenous antibiotics (penicillin G).

Important

The waiting time to treat a pregnant woman with a positive GBS result is until the onset of labor. There is no point in giving antibiotics prior to labor, asStreptococcus agalactiecomes back very quickly after stopping medication.

Perinatal prophylaxis is also recommended for women in whom:

  • GBS is negative, but one of the previously born babies developed an infectionStreptococcus agalactie
  • GBS is negative but urine streptococci has been found at any stage of the current pregnancy
  • the results of GBS tests are not known, and ≥18 hours elapsed from the rupture of the membranes to the moment of admitting the pregnant woman to the hospital
  • GBS test results are not known, but the pregnant woman's body temperature is ≥38 degrees C
  • labor commenced prior to carrier testingStreptococcus agalactiae
  • GBS test result is negative, but there are other indications for perinatal antibiotic therapy

Pregnant examinations

Important

Not all pregnant women are carriersStreptococcus agalactiae . They occur in the vagina and / or anus about 10-30 percent. pregnant women.

The presence of GBS in a woman's vagina during labor does not mean that the baby will be infected. The mother may or may not pass the bacteria onto her baby. The risk of transmitting the microorganism to the newborn is 70%.

Infecting a child is not tantamount to the development of the above-mentioned diseases. Only a few percent of infected children develop symptoms of the disease. The incidence is 2-4 per 1,000 live births.

Not all doctors order the GBS test (the Polish Gynecological Society recommends but does not order doctors to perform these tests), so be sure to ask your gynecologist for a referral.

What tests should you do in the third trimester of pregnancy?

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Pregnant examinations