Group B Streptococcus (group B strep, GBS) are bacteria that come and go naturally in the body. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful, but they can cause serious illness in people of all ages. In fact, group B strep disease is a common cause of severe infection in newborns.

How do you get Group B streptococcus?

How do people become carriers of group B Strep? Like many bacteria, GBS may be passed from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact, for example, hand contact, kissing, close physical contact, etc. As GBS is often found in the vagina and rectum of colonised women, it can be passed through sexual contact.

What does group B strep positive mean?

If a test finds GBS, the woman is said to be "GBS positive." This means only that she has the bacteria in her body — not that she or her baby will become sick from it. GBS infection in babies is diagnosed by testing a sample of blood or spinal fluid.