GBS infection is diagnosed when the bacteria are grown from body fluids that are usually sterile, such as blood or spinal fluid. These are known as cultures and normally take one to two days to complete.
GBS infection in newborn babies is usually described as early or late-onset.
Early-onset GBS infection in babies (0-6 days of life)
Up to 90% of GBS infections occur in the first 6 days of life, usually as septicaemia with pneumonia. These “early-onset” infections are usually apparent at or soon after birth, with the following signs:
Typical symptoms of early-onset GBS infection include
- grunting;
- lethargy;
- irritability;
- poor feeding;
- very high or low heart rate;
- low blood pressure;
- low blood sugar;
- abnormal (high or low) temperature; and
- abnormal (fast or slow) breathing rates with blueness of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis).
Late onset GBS infection in babies age 6 days to 3 months
Up to 20% of GBS infections are late-onset, occurring after the baby’s first 6 days, usually as meningitis with septicaemia. It is uncommon after a baby reaches one month old and almost unknown after age three months.
Warning signs of late-onset GBS infection – including meningitis - may include one or more of the following:
- fever;
- poor feeding and/or vomiting; and
- impaired consciousness.
Typical symptoms of meningitis in babies, including GBS meningitis (any of these could develop but some may not be present at all) include:
- fever, which may include the hands and feet feeling cold, and/or diarrhoea;
- refusing feeds or vomiting;
- shrill or moaning cry or whimpering;
- dislike of being handled, fretful;
- tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head);
- involuntary body stiffening or jerking movements;
- floppy body;
- blank, staring or trance-like expression;
- abnormally drowsy, difficult to wake or withdrawn;
- altered breathing patterns;
- turns away from bright lights; and
- pale and/or blotchy skin.
If a baby shows signs consistent with late-onset GBS infection or meningitis, call your doctor immediately. If your doctor isn't available, go straight to your nearest Paediatric Casualty Department. If a baby has late-onset GBS infection or meningitis, early diagnosis and treatment are vital: delay could be fatal.
The risk of a baby developing a GBS infection decreases with age - GBS infection in babies is rare after one month of age and virtually unknown after three months.
Click chart here for the flowchart showing our experts' recommended paediatric prevention strategy to stop GBS infection developing in newborn babies. |
