Streptococcus agalactiae , also called S. agalactiae or group B Streptococcus , is a bacterium that can be found naturally in the body without causing any symptoms. This bacteria can be found mainly in the gastrointestinal, urinary system and, in the case of women, in the vagina.
Due to its ability to colonize the vagina without causing symptoms, infection by S. agalactiae is more frequent in pregnant women, and this bacterium can be transmitted to the baby at the time of delivery, and this infection is also considered one of the most frequent in newborns..
In addition to the infection happening in pregnant women and newborns, the bacteria can also proliferate in people over 60, obese or who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart problems or cancer, for example.
Symptoms of Streptococcus agalactiae
The presence of S. agalactiae is usually not noticed, as this bacterium remains in the body without causing any changes. However, due to the weakening of the immune system or the presence of chronic diseases, for example, this microorganism can proliferate and cause symptoms that can vary according to where the infection occurs, such as:
- Fever, chills, nausea and changes in the nervous system, which are more frequent when the bacteria is present in the blood; Cough, difficulty breathing and chest pain, which can arise when the bacteria reaches the lungs; Swelling in a joint, which happens when the infection affects the joint or the bones; Redness, increased local temperature, swelling and pain in the region and the presence of pus, which appear when the bacteria reaches the joint and bones.
Group B Streptococcus infection can happen to anyone, however it is more frequent in pregnant women, newborns, people over 60 and people who have chronic diseases, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, obesity or cancer, for example..
How is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of infection by Streptococcus agalactiae is made through microbiological exams, in which body fluids, such as blood, urine or spinal fluid are analyzed.
In the case of pregnancy, the diagnosis is made by collecting vaginal discharge with a specific cotton swab, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the case of a positive result, treatment with antibiotics is done a few hours before and during delivery to prevent the bacteria from growing quickly after treatment. Learn more about Streptococci B in pregnancy.
It is important that the diagnosis and treatment of S. agalactiae in pregnancy is done correctly to prevent the baby from being infected at the time of delivery and complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis or death, for example.
Treatment for S. agalactiae
The treatment for infection by S. agalactiae is done with antibiotics, normally using Penicillin, Vancomycin, Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin or Erythromycin, for example, which should be used according to the doctor's guidance.
When the bacteria reaches bone, joints or soft tissues, for example, it may be recommended by the doctor, in addition to the use of antibiotics, to perform surgery to remove and sterilize the infection site.
In the case of infection by S. agalactiae during pregnancy, the first treatment option indicated by the doctor is with Penicillin. If this treatment is not effective, the doctor may recommend the use of Ampicillin by the pregnant woman.
