Streptococcus1 is a bacterium commonly found in the mouth area, which is why it is naturally transmitted through kissing or sharing objects such as cutlery and cups. Because it is present in the mouth, it can more easily settle in our intestines and respiratory system and is responsible for a large number of diseases, ranging from dental cavities to pneumonia.
Streptococcus B
This is because there are several types of streptococcus, each responsible for a different type of disease. In this case, we will discuss group B streptococcus, which is screened for during pregnancy through the swab test.
Streptococcus B commonly colonizes female vaginal, intestinal, and rectal areas. It does not pose a risk to healthy people but can cause complications if transmitted from mother to baby at birth. That is why the test before delivery is so important, serving as a method of prevention and protection for the baby2.
Contrary to what many believe, streptococcus B is not a sexually transmitted disease. The vaginal area is usually contaminated by bacteria coming from the woman’s own intestine and rectal region, so don’t be alarmed if your test result comes back positive.
The Test Was Positive, What Do I Do Now?
The test is performed simply in the office, with samples taken from the vaginal and anal areas using a device similar to a cotton swab, hence the common name “swab test”. The test is usually requested between the 35th and 37th week of pregnancy, when birth is approaching.
Treatment
The result will be available after a few days and, if positive, no treatment—neither vaginal creams nor medications—will be recommended before delivery. Medication is administered a few hours before delivery, typically about 4 hours before, directly in the maternity ward. The medication used for treatment is an antibiotic, which must be given intravenously so that it acts immediately3.
Prenatal Card
The test result should be recorded on the prenatal card, which will be requested upon hospital admission for delivery. If you do not have your documents with you, inform the hospital about your streptococcus test result so the proper procedure can be performed as soon as possible. In the case of a cesarean delivery, the medication is not used since the baby does not pass through the vaginal canal and is not exposed to the risk of contamination.
If not properly treated before birth and the baby becomes infected, they may develop neonatal sepsis, a very dangerous blood infection that can be fatal.
Other worsening complications from lack of proper care include pneumonia and meningitis, which can present serious risks if they occur within the baby’s first weeks of life. The most dangerous situation is for premature babies, who are at even greater risk and may suffer serious consequences.
See also: Swab Test and Cervix – Video
Photo: Iqbal Osman, Daniel Lobo