Bacterial infections during pregnancy. Streptococcus disease in a smear during pregnancy

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Questions and answers on: streptococcus during pregnancy

2014-05-03 12:57:14

Tatiana asks:

Good afternoon. Pregnancy 8 weeks. Streptococci agalactica 10^6 and Escherichia coli 10^7 were found in the culture tank. Please tell me, is it possible to cure this during pregnancy? The doctor said that she would start treatment after 12 weeks. And how dangerous is it for the fetus? I lost my baby at 26 weeks a year and a half ago, they didn’t tell me the reason. Now I have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. I am being treated with miramixin. Thank you

2012-05-08 19:47:02

Veronica asks:

Good afternoon.
During pregnancy, streptococcus viridans was found to be grade 10*6, rinsing with Chlorophyllipt decreased to 10*5.
I am very worried about this infection, because I have a small child.
how can I infect it? is it dangerous??

2016-10-12 16:58:44

Natalya asks:

Hello. My husband and I are planning a pregnancy. She began to be examined by a gynecologist. During the first culture test (end of July), streptococci were discovered. Treatment: Augmentin, Klion D suppositories, Bioselac cape. The next blood test (September 5) showed Ureaplasma 10 in the 2nd degree and Streptococcus 10 in the 6th degree. Treatment: Sumamed, Supradin, Duflucan, Terzhinan. The next blood test (October 8) showed Ureaplasma 10 in the 2nd degree and Streptococcus 10 in the 5th degree. I'm worried about this Streptococcus. What can you do with it? Why doesn't it go away after treatment?

Answers Bosyak Yulia Vasilievna:

2015-12-26 19:21:08

Ekaterina asks:

Good evening!
Pregnancy 27 weeks.
On 05/07/15 I took a PCR test for the presence of group B streptococcus, the answer was POSITIVE, after treatment the result was POSITIVE again (test was taken on 07/01/15). After that, I took a microflora culture test twice to determine sensitivity to antibiotics (08/17/15 and 12/22/15) and only in the second analysis were Enterococcus and Proteus mirabilis 10 grade 3 detected. Now I can’t understand whether I should treat group B streptococci if they are not detected by culture???

Answers Medical consultant of the website portal:

Hello, Ekaterina! Microorganisms not detected in culture have no clinical significance and do not require treatment. Take care of your health!

2015-10-04 15:35:27

Nalani asks:

Good afternoon Please help me! 2 months ago I gave birth to a baby, there are many nuances with his health - cephalohematoma, congenital kidney defect, subclinical hypothyroidism, lingering jaundice to this day. Bad stool from the second week of life. Klebsiella was found in the culture tank. On the advice of an infectious disease specialist, I took a swab from the throat and nose myself. Found gold stuff-2 tbsp. B-hemolytic streptococcus-2-3st. This is a pharynx. In the nose Proteus 2 tbsp. During pregnancy, I didn’t know anything about such tests; when registering, the ENT specialist wrote that she was healthy, although she knew about the operation to remove the tonsils.
Questions: how to treat? I'm breastfeeding. One doctor prescribes antibiotics. Another advises chlorophyllipt and phages.
How dangerous am I to the child and other people? Communication paranoia appeared.
How much could such results affect the child? Could our problems be related to this?
I beg you to answer. I'm worried that I've harmed the baby...
Thank you very much!

2014-11-04 13:32:50

Maria asks:

Hello! Pregnancy 22 weeks. I rented it out
bakpasev in September in his consultation. According to
which found streptococci agalactus and
yeast fungi of the genus Candida - moderate growth.
She did not undergo treatment. Retaken a month later (end
October) bacterial culture in private honey. Center. By
the results of which were found in cerv. Vag
leukocytes 5-10, epithelium 5-10, found only
gram-positive rods, in the urethra. Prost leukocytes
0-1, epithelium 2-5, found: Gr+ cocci, Gr+ rods,
lactobacilli, including by cultural examination
Streptococcus spp 10 was detected in grade 3. Tell
please is the treatment suitable for use?
Hexicon vaginal suppositories (once a day for 9
days), and taking Vagilak for 1 month for
normalization of normal flora? I read about Hexicon,
The reviews are not inspiring, is it worth using?

Answers Bosyak Yulia Vasilievna:

Hello Maria! I don’t know what you read about Hexicon, but it cannot harm or be ineffective in any way. The treatment has been prescribed adequately, so don’t worry.

2014-06-28 11:43:22

Lyudmila asks:

Hello! I am 25 years old. There were no pregnancies, miscarriages, or abortions. I'm planning a pregnancy. On March 1, 2014, there was abdominal surgery (ectopic pregnancy).
Tests for hidden infections and TORCH infections were carried out, but nothing was revealed. Blood test for hormones - everything is normal.
I have a slight erosion. My husband and I treated the infections, took a spermogram and blood tests for TORCH infections - everything was normal. Please help me decipher the vaginal culture and whether it is necessary to treat what is found in it.

Total number of m/o >8 with a value of 6-8
Lactobacilli 8 at a value >5
Enterobacteriaceae 6 with Staphylococcus value 0
Streptococci 0
Enterococci 6 with a value of Non-fermenting m/o 0
Corynebacteria 0
Neisserie 0
Mushrooms 0
Smear microscopy - squamous epithelium of the superficial and intermediate layers. Slime. Leukocytes - 10-25 in p/z. Microflora - lactomorphotypes in moderate quantities. Gram (+) cocci in scant quantity.

Opportunistic pathogens
1. Escherichia coli 10^6 COE/tamp
2. Enteroccocus sp. 10^6 KOE/tamp

Sensitivity to NITROFURANTOIN, FOSFOMYCIN

Answers Wild Nadezhda Ivanovna:

Lyudmila does not contradict herself. Ectopic pregnancy- this is a pregnancy that has ended surgical treatment. The same is not true with infections. E. coli and enterococcus are opportunistic microflora in the vagina that should not be there. I recommend checking your kidneys: ultrasound, urine culture. Examine your thyroid and treat the infection. There is no need to rush, and not everything is fine - don’t rush, but get treatment. In addition, your plans are not pregnancy planning. Contact the family planning office, where they will provide you with information about family planning and help you with further examination and treatment.

2014-04-02 07:18:08

Stanislav asks:

Good afternoon
There are no complaints, but I turned to a urologist to prevent prostatitis and plan pregnancy. Increased content of steptococci in prostate juice. Ciprofloxacin was prescribed. I doubt the effectiveness, I don’t want to poison the body in vain and is it necessary... When palpating the pancreas, there is a noticeable pain in a certain place. Question: how to get rid of streptococci in the prostate gland and should the wife take a similar course of treatment?

Answers Vladychenko Konstantin Anatolievich:

Hello. You probably had your tank checked. culture of prostate juice? If, as a result of these microbes, you have less than 10*4 and there are no clinical signs (symptoms) that bother you, then treatment is not required. The presence of microorganisms in this case is interpreted as contamination, and not as an infectious process. When planning a family, the most important analysis is a spermogram.

2013-11-10 13:50:31

Eva asks:

Hello! About 3 months ago, my lower back started to hurt, I started going to the toilet more often, and I started getting up once at night. It hurt to lie on my right side. When bending forward, the pain intensified. I took OAM tests 2 times, weight: 1016 protein neg. Lake ed, eritis ots., according to Nichiporenko, protein negative, leukocytes 100, eryth 200, had 2 ultrasounds, the first time the calyces were slightly dilated, no pelvis, the second time everything was normal, as soon as my lower back got sick I started drinking a decoction of oats, maybe that’s why the tests So, I submitted my urine for bacterial culture and found streptococci agalactiae 10*4. I take Canephron. I was injected with cephobid for 4 and a half days, then my allergies started and I stopped drinking furadonin for 7 days. Now my lower back still hurts, not so much, I get cold quickly, temp. 36.9. We really want a second child. During my first pregnancy, everything was fine with my kidneys. Was I treated correctly? What else can I do to rule out kidney disease?

Most representatives of the group of streptococci do not pose a mortal danger to humans, but can significantly harm the health of a pregnant woman and prevent normal development her child. Streptococci are classified as opportunistic spherical bacteria, which can almost always be found in the body. Some of them, under the influence of certain circumstances, provoke the development of serious diseases: food poisoning, purulent-inflammatory reactions, rheumatism, glomerulonephritis. However, streptococcus is most dangerous because it can infect the fetus, as well as cause sepsis and meningitis in the infant.

Indicators immune system a woman declines to a great extent when she learns of her fortunate situation. During the gestation period, expectant mothers easily succumb to colds, relapses of chronic diseases, and infectious diseases, which most often appear due to the active activity of streptococci.

Statistics report that streptococcal bacteria infect 10 to 30% of pregnant women. The development and course of the infectious process is almost always asymptomatic. A sure sign the presence of problematic bacteria in the body - copious discharge yellowish in color from the genital tract, which is not permanent in nature.

Some children become infected from a sick mother even at the intrauterine stage of their existence, while others remain healthy, despite their “neighborhood” with a dangerous microorganism. Based on the results of numerous studies, scientists have come to the conclusion that the ability to resist infection depends on the strength of the baby’s innate immunity.

In Russia, the following statistics have been officially announced: the probability of intrauterine infection of the fetus by streptococcus is approximately 1 - 2%. At the same time, there are factors that increase the likelihood of infection of the baby.

What is important to know about streptococcus during pregnancy

The Streptococcaceae family includes gram-positive microorganisms that are spherical in shape and do not form spores. Bacteria do not have flagella, so they cannot move independently. But they have one important advantage over other active microorganisms - they survive in an environment deprived of oxygen.

Using a microscope, you can see what streptococci look like - these are “balls” arranged in pairs or chains. The prevalence of the microorganism in the external environment is high: it lives not only in the body of animals and humans, but also in the soil and on plants. Easily tolerating various temperature changes, it retains the ability to reproduce, even if it remains in the soil for several years. Moreover, all representatives of the streptococcal family are extremely sensitive to penicillin antibiotics, macrolides and sulfonamides. They multiply at lightning speed in nutrient media such as serum, blood, and sweet solution.

Ways of infection with streptococcus during pregnancy

Streptococcus in expectant mothers is found mainly in the urine. There are three options for infection:

• with unprotected intimacy;
• as a result of ignorance of basic rules intimate hygiene;
• due to wearing synthetic underwear.

Types of streptococci during pregnancy

The vaginal microflora of the expectant mother contains streptococci belonging to 3 different species;

• serological group D (enterococci);
• serological group B;
• viridans streptococci.

Doctors also know the 2 most dangerous types of pathogens that can harm the body of the expectant mother:

• hemolytic streptococcus group A, which occurs during pregnancy due to repeated cases of bacterial sepsis;
• group B hemolytic streptococcus, which currently infects newborns.

Group A streptococci during pregnancy

The bacterial strain poses the greatest health hazard and is often localized on the skin and mucous membranes. When such bacteria enter wounds and injuries, an acute inflammatory reaction begins with the formation of pus. In the internal environment of the body, streptococci of this group behave very aggressively and can cause tissue atrophy or provoke infectious-toxic shock. The infection is concentrated in the nasopharynx, vagina and perianal area.

The consequences of group A streptococcus during pregnancy are as follows:

• tonsillitis;
• pharyngitis;
• genitourinary system infections;
• endometritis;
• postpartum sepsis.

How dangerous is streptococcus during pregnancy for the fetus? Children infected with this pathogen before birth often subsequently develop diseases affecting the respiratory system.

Group B streptococci during pregnancy

Opportunistic microorganisms of this group are better known during pregnancy as Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae). Bacteria accumulate mainly in the nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. I diagnose the infection in more than 20% of expectant mothers. In the absence of a timely response to the pathogen, a pregnant woman may encounter a wide range of diseases caused by streptococcus agalactia:

• inflammatory reaction in the genitourinary system;
• miscarriage;
• endometritis after childbirth;
• sepsis;
• meningitis;
• endocarditis;
• inflammation of the membranes;
• pneumonia in a newborn;
• mental disorders in the child.

Streptococcus in a smear in women during pregnancy: previous symptoms of infection

Opportunistic bacteria that cause the development of such skin diseases, like erysipelas and impetigo, manifest themselves with the following symptoms:

• redness of the affected skin;
• manifestation of a clear line dividing diseased and healthy skin;
• severe pain when palpating the inflamed area;
• swelling and specific “gloss” of the affected area;
• in some cases, an increase in temperature.

If, as a result of the active activity of the pathogen, erysipelas develops, the face, arms and legs turn red. With streptoderma, the skin is strewn with blisters with purulent contents, which after a while burst and dry out to form a crust. At the same time, the patient is plagued by painful itching. If you scratch the itchy areas, the infection will spread further.

Symptoms of streptococcus in the throat during pregnancy:

• heat body (up to 40°C);
• painful swallowing;
• protrusion of lymph nodes on the sides of the neck;
• severe weakness;
• spread of light plaque over swollen tonsils;
• sudden changes in sensations - changes from fever to chills;
• difficulty moving the neck muscles.

The development of the disease is acute, and complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis are often associated.

If a harmful bacterium has infected the genitourinary system during pregnancy, the signs will be as follows:

• acute inflammation of the membranes;
• infection of the fetus in the womb, which subsequently results in miscarriage or stillbirth child;
• with the development of endometritis after cesarean section, the symptoms are not obvious: fever, general weakness, unpleasant discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain when examining the uterus.

If a newborn is infected, the baby may be diagnosed with sepsis on the same day, and 10 days after birth - meningitis.

Methods for diagnosing streptococcus during pregnancy

In most cases, a streptococcal infection can be detected without laboratory research very difficult. Most often, streptococcus is diagnosed in women during pregnancy in a smear. Biological material is collected from the following foci:

• sputum - to find out on what basis inflammation of the bronchi began and pneumonia developed;
• mucus from the throat and tonsils - if there is reason to believe that the cause of tonsillitis or pharyngitis during pregnancy is streptococcus in the woman’s throat;
• mucus from the vagina - to confirm or deny the presence of streptococcus in cervical canal during pregnancy;
• urine - this is where the streptococcal nephritis pathogen is found;
• mucus from the urethra - to diagnose urethritis;
• purulent fluid - blot with a cotton swab and examine if the development of streptococcal pyoderma or erysipelas is suspected.

To clarify the nature of the infectious process, the ill expectant mother is prescribed a blood test for streptococcus using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. If we are talking about a pyogenic pathogen, they can additionally test for the susceptibility of pathogenic microorganisms to various antibiotics. However, you will have to wait for a response for several days, and all this time the infection will quietly multiply without drug intervention. In order not to aggravate an already dangerous situation, doctors often choose an antibacterial drug at their discretion. Naturally, the specialist is primarily guided by his own experience, as well as information about the streptococcus that predominates in a given region.

We remind you once again that every person has a streptococcal infection. She will “sleep” as long as the body is guarded by a strong immune system. The norm of streptococcus in a smear during pregnancy is no more than 104 CFU/ml.

However, for a correct diagnosis, the most reliable way for the expectant mother is to submit urine for bacteriological culture. Since opportunistic bacteria of this family are almost always present in the vaginal microflora, after the onset of the disease, streptococcus appears in the urine during pregnancy almost immediately. Such a study is currently prescribed for preventive purposes: in the early stages, as well as at the end of gestation. Early detection of infection allows you to protect the child from intrauterine or birth infection.

To ensure the most accurate test result, a woman needs to follow these recommendations:

• do not take choleretic and diuretic medications 3 days before collecting biological material;
• 6 - 8 hours before urine collection, avoid salty foods and smoked foods;
• before collecting urine, thoroughly wash the external genitalia and insert a hygienic tampon into the vagina;
• A sterile container is used to collect biological material. The container is filled with the second portion of morning urine;
• urine must be delivered to the laboratory no later than 2 hours after its collection.

The presence of streptococcal bacteria in urine looks like colonies of “balls”. Normally, there should be no streptococcus in the urine during pregnancy.

How to treat streptococcus during pregnancy

If streptococcal bacteria are found in a woman’s smear during pregnancy, treatment is urgent. The fight against pathogenic microorganisms is multi-stage:

1. Treatment with antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin - side effects Dont Have).
2. Increasing the body's defenses.
3. Restoration and support of intestinal microflora simultaneously with antibacterial therapy (Linex, Bifiform, Acipol).
4. Cleansing the body of toxins.
5. Symptomatic treatment (Zodak, Cetrin).

When drawing up a complex therapy regimen for the treatment of streptococcus in a pregnant patient, doctors select the safest medications for both mother and child. Before starting treatment, all expectant mothers are given a test to determine the likelihood of an allergic reaction. During treatment, a pregnant woman should not overexert herself, and if the disease is severe, if possible, adhere to bed rest.

The active form of streptococcus cannot be ignored, since the microscopic bacterium can cause damage to the membranes, childbirth ahead of schedule or stillbirth. According to doctors, streptococcus during pregnancy is easier to prevent than to cure. Prevention of infection consists of careful intimate hygiene, timely treatment of colds, and maintaining the body's defenses. Only in this case can one hope for a calm pregnancy and successful development of the fetus. Be healthy!

Infectious diseases of the urinary system are diagnosed in expectant mothers using urine culture. Quite often, during bacteriological examination, streptococcus is detected in the urine during pregnancy, which is activated due to hormonal changes and decreased immunity.

The danger of infection is that in most cases it is asymptomatic and can cause pathologies of the placenta and infection of the baby.

1. After leaving amniotic fluid and more than 18 hours passed before the baby was born.
2. At the time of birth, the woman had a body temperature of more than 37.5 degrees.
3. The age of the woman giving birth is up to 20 years.
4. Childbirth before 37 weeks.

It is worth noting that Streptococcus agalactia is common cause mortality in newborn babies. Typically, signs of infection appear immediately after birth. Children have pale skin, uneven breathing, elevated temperature, vomiting and neurological pathologies.

Despite the fact that the risk of infection in babies is quite low, about 2 cases per 100 infected mothers, You should not refuse diagnostics for streptococci.

Urine examination for streptococci

One of the most informative tests for streptococcus infection is bacteriological urine culture

One of the most informative tests for infections internal organs is bacteriological culture of urine. This study is carried out during pregnancy registration and in the third trimester.

Using the results of the analysis, it is possible to determine the presence of an infection that can be transmitted in utero or infect a child at birth. In order for the result to be as accurate as possible, the following rules must be followed:

1. Stop taking diuretics and choleretic drugs 3 days before the test.
2. Eliminate heavy, salty and smoked foods from the menu one day before.
3. Collect only the midstream portion of morning urine in a sterile container.
4. Before collecting the analysis, it is necessary to perform genital hygiene and insert a cotton swab into the vagina.
5. The test must be taken within two hours after collection.

Streptococcus agalactia in urine during pregnancy is determined by inoculating the material on a nutrient medium - a solution of 5% blood agar. In order for the bacterium to grow, it is provided with an optimal temperature for development of 37 degrees.

If streptococci are present, they form colonies of grayish plaques that are examined under a microscope. Next, the bacteria are sent to test tubes, to determine the characteristics and sensitivity to antibiotics.

On average, a urine test for streptococci takes 7 days to prepare. The advantage of the study is high accuracy, exclusion of erroneous results and false reactions.

Why is streptococcus agalactia dangerous during pregnancy?

Among women this type Streptococcus often causes infections of the genitourinary system. Inflammatory processes occur due to decreased immunity and the proliferation of a large colony of streptococcus.

Urogenital diseases can be recognized by such signs as pain in the lower abdomen, itching, increased body temperature, and copious vaginal discharge.

Streptococcus agalactia during pregnancy often causes infections of the genitourinary system

Often streptococcus causes the following diseases:

1. Urethritis is an inflammatory process of the urethral mucosa. In the absence of adequate treatment, urethritis leads to cystitis and inflammation of the appendages.
2. Cervicitis– infectious inflammation of the cervix. Complications of the disease can include cervical erosion, dysplasia and cancer.
3. Endometritis– inflammation of the uterine mucosa is the most dangerous disease, as it may be accompanied by uterine bleeding, placental insufficiency and miscarriage.

With a large number of streptococcus colonies, inflammation of the membranes is possible, which invariably leads to premature birth, pathology of fetal development, and disruption of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman does not undergo drug treatment before the birth of the child, there is a risk of infection of the baby during childbirth.

As a rule, weakened and premature babies with pathologies are at risk.

Streptococcus agalactia during pregnancy can cause dangerous infectious diseases in infants immediately after birth or a few days later.

Streptoderma – affects the upper layers of the skin and can cause deep erosions. The infection can be recognized by flat blisters with clear and then purulent contents. The pustule is accompanied severe itching which brings anxiety to the baby.

Vulgar ecthyma – deep skin lesions with ulcers. Purulent blisters with yellow crusts form on the skin, under which a painful ulcer appears. The baby's body temperature is elevated, the general condition is lethargic and drowsy. Complications may include lymphadenitis and lymphangitis.

Streptococcus agalactia during pregnancy can cause serious infectious diseases in infants immediately after birth

Sepsis – a dangerous development of streptococcal infection, which can lead to death. Symptoms of the disease are persistent fever and increased body temperature. If left untreated, toxic shock develops with damage to internal organs.

Meningitis – the inflammatory process of the membranes of the brain is manifested by pallor of the skin, fever, and rash on the skin. Complications may include toxic shock and developmental delay.

Pneumonia – develops as a result of damage to the alveoli of the lungs. Characteristic signs: shortness of breath, cough, vomiting, refusal to eat. The infection is severe, but with timely drug treatment the favorable outcome increases significantly.

Necrotizing fasciitis – Streptococci affect connective tissues and organs. A characteristic feature The disease is caused by numerous ulcers and purulent wounds. The disease is diagnosed in children extremely rarely.

Any disease caused by streptococcal infection has a severe course and poses a great threat to the baby's life. Only with timely treatment and proper medical care does a newborn have a chance to survive.

But unfortunately, not every child recovers completely; many of them have pathologies and suffer from central nervous system disorders.

If a woman has been diagnosed with streptococcus in her urine during pregnancy, treatment must be started. As soon as possible, especially if the infection is diagnosed after 30 weeks. Penicillin or ampicillin is used for therapy.

These drugs are absolutely safe for the expectant mother and baby and do not cause any adverse reactions. Before starting treatment with a penicillin-based antibiotic, it is necessary to test for allergic reaction.

Ampicillin

The human body is regularly exposed to various bacterial infections that need to be promptly diagnosed and treated. Special attention Expectant mothers should show more concern for their own health at the stage of pregnancy planning, since they put not only their health, but also the life of the unborn child at great risk.

In order to avoid infection with streptococcus, it is necessary to ensure regular hygiene of the genital organs, strengthen the immune system, promptly treat diseases of the urinary system and listen to the recommendations of the supervising gynecologist.

In contact with

Streptococci cause various diseases and are detected by modern diagnostic methods. A urine test during pregnancy can confirm or refute the presence of group B streptococci in a woman’s body. If the laboratory result is positive, treatment with antibiotics is carried out.

Group B streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacteria that causes health problems. For an adult, this microorganism is usually not dangerous. GBS discovered during pregnancy poses a serious threat to the fetus.

About 10-30% of expectant mothers are carriers of group B streptococcus. Since this bacterium is present in the body of every fourth woman in an “interesting” situation, it cannot be called rare. However, it is also unacceptable to treat GBS with indifference. The fact is that a woman can transmit this microorganism to her child during childbirth.

In most cases, it is possible to determine that streptococcus is present in the body only by the results laboratory tests. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a detailed examination of urine or smear. In only a small number of the population infected with GBS, the bacteria's activity leads to urinary tract and bladder infections.

Types of streptococci and diagnosis of infection during pregnancy

Hemolytic streptococci are the most common pathogenic bacteria. They are divided into several groups based on various criteria.

Group A streptococci are transmitted by airborne droplets, and less commonly through contaminated dishes and food. These microorganisms are detected by examining a throat swab. To prevent infection, doctors recommend observing basic hygiene requirements.

Group B streptococci are detected in 10-30% of expectant mothers. Most carriers of the bacteria are sexually active women under 20 years of age. GBS is transmitted during sexual intercourse from an infected partner to a healthy one.

Streptococci can be found in various organs. To identify pathogenic microorganisms in the urinary tract, a urine culture test is performed. If the rules for collecting material are not followed, this diagnostic method produces false positive results.

The study requires an average portion of urine and a sterile container. It is best to use disposable containers, which are available in every pharmacy. Before collecting material, you must wash thoroughly. When urinating, it is advisable to cover the vaginal opening with a sterile tampon.

Another diagnostic method is taking a smear from the vagina. Analysis is optional. Pregnant women take it at the direction of a gynecologist.

If the expectant mother suffered a urinary tract infection caused by streptococci during the gestational period, or in the past gave birth to a child infected with these microorganisms, then at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy she needs to undergo a smear. At positive result the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics and will closely monitor the woman’s health.

How dangerous is streptococcal infection?

Unfortunately, GBS is a dangerous bacterium that can lead to various pathologies. That is why, if group B streptococci are detected in the urine or smear, urgent treatment is necessary. Lack of timely treatment increases the risk of:

• premature birth;
• intrauterine fetal death;
• premature rupture of membranes.

In addition, GBS is a common cause of urinary tract infections. This microorganism can lead to increased body temperature, burning and pain when urinating. Almost always, streptococcal infection is asymptomatic, but is detected by examining urine and smears.

If the infection is transmitted to a child, pneumonia may occur

In 1-2% of cases, infected mothers transmit group B streptococci to their children during childbirth. If this happens, the child develops the following diseases:

• meningitis;
• sepsis;
• pneumonia.

However, there is no need to despair. Modern medicine successfully combats GBS in newborns with antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin) and intensive symptomatic therapy. Most infected children recover. In only a small number of young patients, streptococcal infection causes future pathologies, such as hearing or learning problems.

To prevent transmission of infection to your newborn, you should closely monitor your health during pregnancy. It is advisable to be tested for the presence or absence of GBS shortly before delivery. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, healthy image life.

Signs of a child becoming infected with streptococcal infection

Signs of early and late infection may appear. In the first case, fever, increased drowsiness in the first week of life, and problems with the respiratory system appear. Early onset of the disease occurs in 50% of newborns and sometimes leads to sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis.

With a late onset of infection, cough, problems with eating, high body temperature, convulsions or drowsiness, and nasal congestion are observed. These symptoms occur between 7 days and 3 months after birth and often provoke meningitis and sepsis.

In 99% of cases, infected newborns have no symptoms of the disease. For this reason, doctors recommend establishing GBS colonization through laboratory diagnostics. The test material is obtained by taking samples from the baby’s throat, external auditory canal, navel, and rectum. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms can be detected by examining the amniotic fluid.

Consequences and treatment of streptococcal infection after childbirth

Sometimes GBS leads to infection of the uterus. In this case, the following symptoms arise:

• high body temperature;
• increased heart rate of mother and fetus;
• painful sensations in the abdomen.

Antibiotics are used to combat GBS. These medications administered intramuscularly or intravenously before childbirth. It is optimal to use antibiotics 4 hours before the baby is born. This will help prevent the newborn from becoming infected.

Penicillin (sometimes ampicillin) is usually prescribed to treat streptococcal infections. In some cases, these drugs cause an allergic reaction (in 1 in 25 women). This therapy is used only if it is planned natural childbirth. Usually, C-section relieves expectant mother from the need to take antibiotics.

Despite all Negative consequences, which can be caused by streptococcal infection during pregnancy, you should not be afraid. Firstly, during the gestation period, various abnormalities are diagnosed, including the presence of GBS in the body (by examining urine and smear). Secondly, timely treatment helps to cope with a dangerous disease, preventing negative consequences for the mother and her baby.

The microflora of the human body is inhabited by a huge mass of different bacteria. Streptococcus in the urine actively multiplies in conditions of weakened immunity or during hypothermia, infecting urinary tract. In an environment favorable to infection, the inflammatory process begins to develop.

Ways of infection with streptococcus

The stable presence of numerous colonies of microorganisms in the female genital organs and poor intimate hygiene are the main causes of the disease. Streptococcal bacteria usually do not detect themselves, but can be actively transmitted through handshakes, kisses, and sexual contact.

You can become infected with a pathogenic microorganism:

• by airborne droplets;
• for chronic bronchitis;
• during dental operations;
• through the placenta (from mother to child);
• after eating expired dairy products;
• during unprotected sexual intercourse;
• in kindergartens through toys and dishes;
• after exacerbation of infectious diseases.

Streptococci penetrate into bladder through the urethra with skin. Women are also characterized by the transfer of bacteria from the colon (due to the peculiarities of their anatomical structure).

Infection of pregnant women

Streptococci are often detected in urine during pregnancy. They appear when:

• unprotected sex;
• neglect of the rules of intimate hygiene;
• wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics.

This bacterium is almost always present in the vagina. Since the pregnant woman’s body is weakened, the infectious bacteria develops very quickly, which can cause some complications:

• allergies;
• sepsis;
• disease of the genitourinary organs;
• problems with the heart and blood vessels.

A newborn baby may develop meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and a neurological disorder is possible. The bacterium is especially dangerous for premature babies.

Signs of infection appear after the baby is born. The skin has pale color, the baby's breathing is uneven, body temperature is elevated, and vomiting may occur. Not all children recover completely. Most suffer from central nervous system disorders.

The most common signs of streptococcus:

• skin rashes;
• unstable pressure;
• tingling in the kidney area;
• painful urination.

Urinalysis always shows significantly increased level hemoglobin or creatinine.

Testing urine for infection in pregnant women

It is considered the most informative. The examination is prescribed by a gynecologist when a pregnant woman is registered, as well as in the 3rd trimester. This is necessary to identify an infection that can be transmitted to a child at birth or even in utero.

To get the most accurate result, you need to follow some rules:

• 3 days before the day of the test, you must stop taking choleretic and diuretic drugs;
• do not eat salty or smoked foods before donating urine;
• before collecting urine, perform genital hygiene and insert a tampon into the vagina;
• collect only the second portion of morning urine in a sterile container;
• the test must be performed within 2 hours after urine collection.

If bacteria are present in the urine during pregnancy, they gather in colonies. A specialist examines them under a microscope. After this, they are sent in test tubes to determine their sensitivity to antibiotics. The analysis takes 7 days to prepare. The absolute norm is the complete absence of microorganisms in the urine.

Treatment of the disease

If streptococcus is detected in the urine during pregnancy, then treatment should be started immediately. It consists of several stages:

1. Antibacterial therapy.
2. Strengthening the immune system.
3. Bringing intestinal microflora back to normal after antibiotic treatment.
4. Detoxification of the body.
5. Symptomatic therapy.

The main course of treatment for streptococcus consists of taking penicillin drugs. Penicillin or Ampicillin is prescribed. The drugs are safe for both mother and child and do not cause side effects. But still, an allergy test must be carried out before starting medication treatment.

To restore intestinal microflora, the following are additionally prescribed:

• Linux;
• Acipol;
• Bifiform;
• Cetrin;
• Zodak.

During the treatment period, excessive physical activity should not be allowed. In case of high intoxication, bed rest is required.

Treatment using folk remedies is possible, but only with the permission of a specialist.

If a staphylococcal infection is not treated, a pregnant woman may rupture the membranes, premature birth or fetal death fetus Prevention of streptococcus is very simple: personal hygiene, prevention colds, strengthening the immune system. With timely treatment, you can get a normal outcome and avoid unwanted complications.