Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection in a newborn. This bacteria is often found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women, but this does not mean that the woman has an infection. Most newborns who are exposed to GBS from their mother do not get infected. In some cases, however, GBS can cause serious infections in pregnant women and newborns.
If the newborn is infected in the first 7 days of his or her life, the infection is considered an early onset infection. If the newborn is infected more than 7 days after birth, the infection is considered late onset.
Both early and late onset GBS infection in the newborn usually causes one or more of the following: