How Does Group B Streptococcus Affect Newborns?

GBS can cause sepsis or meningitis in newborns. Illness typically manifests early onset, or within 6 hours after birth. Late-onset infection can also occur, or weeks/months after birth.

Signs and symptoms of GBS in newborns include:

• Fever
• Low body temperature
• Difficulty feeding
• Sluggishness, limpness or weak muscle tone
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice
• Rash
• Jitteriness
• Seizures

GBS can also cause long-term, life-threatening medical problems in both infants and mothers, including:

• Bacteremia, or infection of the bloodstream
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia

Read more about Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

• What is Group B Streptococcus?
• How Can Transmission of Group B Streptococcus to a Newborn Be Prevented?