July is Group B Strep Awareness Month, an important reminder about a leading cause of meningitis and bloodstream infections in newborns. Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of cases of GBS disease in babies around the world, with about 1 in 4 tragically passing away and 1 in 8 suffering seizures, movement problems, and learning difficulties down the road.

Not only are newborn babies affected, but GBS disease also poses a significant health risk to pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia and sepsis are also commonly associated with the disease.

So how do we mitigate the GBS threat to Americans? Early detection is key. In pregnant women, for instance, preventive measures such as antibiotic administration during labor can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the infant — if GBS is detected on time. Timely diagnosis goes a long way in preventing GBS-related complications, making public awareness all the more important.

Early detection and testing go hand in hand. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends GBS screening between 36 and 37 weeks of gestation, and swabbing is readily available. But it is important to entrust a medical professional with the collection process, as the GBS swab must be correctly inserted to obtain a representative sample. Strict adherence to aseptic techniques will minimize the risk of contamination, and self-swabbing is not recommended. While self-swabbing has grown increasingly popular, particularly in the context of sexually transmitted infections, GBS screening should be handled by an expert and flocked swabs work best.

Whether you’re pregnant or at elevated risk of GBS in other ways, it is important to be vigilant about the disease. This is a very dangerous disease, and it should be treated as such — this month and always.

Ginny Templet

Marketing Director, Puritan Medical Products 

Guilford