Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborn babies

Group B Streptococcus is an organism which is carried by around 25% of the population. In the majority of people, it causes no harm however around the time of labour and the birth, many babies came into contact with GBS. Most pregnant women who carry GBS have healthy babies though, rarely, GBS infection in newborn babies can cause serious complications and can be life threatening.

Case definitions

Infection in newborn babies is divided into 2 types:

  1. Early onset disease (EOD): Age 0-6 days of age
  2. Late onset disease (LOD): Age 7-90 days of age

For clinicians

Mandatory reporting
From 1 April 2013 Health and Social Care Trusts are required to report all confirmed cases of early and late onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in babies to the Public Health Agency. 

More information about the reporting requirements of clinicians for Group B Streptococcus can be found here:  CMO GBS Letter HSS(MD)072013

To report all notifications of Group B Streptococcus, use the following form: GBS infection in newborn babies - mandatory reporting form

Further information
Group B Streptococcus and pregnancy
UKHSA Group B streptococcal infections
Group B Streptococcus and pregnancy | nidirect

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