Learn what a typical Infection in newborn babies (group B streptococcus) prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Infection in newborn babies (group B streptococcus)

What will happen to my baby?

Newborn babies who get group B streptococcus infection must always be treated as soon as possible. Babies treated quickly have the best chance of making a full recovery.

Most babies who are treated for early-onset group B strep infection make a full recovery. But few babies die.

Different studies say different things. Doctors estimate that between 1 in 20 and 3 in 20 babies who get early-onset group B strep infection die even if they're treated.

Source:
Chung MY, Ko DJ, Chen CC, et al.
Neonatal group B streptococcal infection: a 7-year experience.
Chang Gung Medical Journal. 2004; 27: 501-508.

Source:
Turow J, Spitzer AR.
Group B streptococcal infection early onset disease controversies in prevention guidelines, and management strategies for the neonate.
Clinical Pediatrics. 2000; 39: 317-326.

² Some babies who get a group B strep infection of the fluid and lining around the brain (known as

meningitis
If you have a swelling in the thin layers of tissue that surround your brain and your spinal cord, it's called meningitis. It's most often caused by an infection with certain kinds of bacteria or viruses. Meningitis can give you a severe headache and a stiff neck. And you may find it difficult to keep your eyes open in the light. Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. If you have these symptoms, you should get to a hospital right away.

meningitis) will have permanent nerve damage. They may get:

Source:
Shet A, Ferrieri P.
Neonatal and maternal group B streptococcal infections: a comprehensive review.
Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2004; 120: 141-150.

Problems with their hearing or sight
seizure
A seizure is a sudden spasm of muscles caused by too much electrical activity in the brain. It results in muscle twitching and other symptoms.

Seizures (fits).

Between 3 in 20 and 6 in 20 babies who get meningitis from a group B strep infection go on to have these long-term problems.

Sources for the information on this page:

Chung MY, Ko DJ, Chen CC, et al.Neonatal group B streptococcal infection: a 7-year experience.Chang Gung Medical Journal. 2004; 27: 501-508.

Turow J, Spitzer AR.Group B streptococcal infection early onset disease controversies in prevention guidelines, and management strategies for the neonate.Clinical Pediatrics. 2000; 39: 317-326.

Shet A, Ferrieri P.Neonatal and maternal group B streptococcal infections: a comprehensive review.Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2004; 120: 141-150.

This information was last updated on Feb 05, 2009

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