Streptococcus agalactiae: main symptoms and how to treat

He Streptococcus agalactiae, also called S. agalactiae O Streptococcus from group B, it is a bacterium that can be found naturally in the organism without causing any type of symptom. This bacteria can be found mainly in the gastrointestinal, urinary and, in the case of women, in the vagina.

Due to its ability to colonize the vagina without causing symptoms, the infection by S. agalactiae It is more frequent in embarassed women, and this bacteria can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth, being considered one of the most frequent infections in newborns.

In addition to the fact that the infection occurs in embarassed and in newborns, the bacteria can proliferate in people over 60 years of age, obese or who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems or cancer, for example.

main symptoms

the presence of S. agalactiae normally it is not noticed, because this bacteria remains in the organism without causing any alteration. However, due to the weakening of the immune system or the presence of chronic diseases, for example, this microorganism can proliferate and cause symptoms that can vary from location to area where the infection occurs, as for example:

• Fever, fever, nausea and changes in the nervous systemwhich are more frequent when bacteria is present in blood;
• Tos, difficult to breathe and pain in the pechowhich can arise when the bacteria lodges in the lungs;
• Hinchazón in a joint, as well as stiffening, temperature increase and painwhich occurs when the infection affects some joints or bones.

The infection by Streptococcus del grupo B can occur in any person, however, it is more frequent in embarassed women, newborns, people with an age over 60 years and people who have chronic diseases, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, obesity or cancer, for example.

How is the diagnosis performed?

The diagnosis of infection by S. agalactiae It is carried out through microbiological tests, in which body fluids such as blood, urine or spinal fluid are analyzed.

In the case of embarrassment, the diagnosis is made from a sample of vaginal secretion with a specific swab, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the event that the result is positive, the treatment with antibiotics is carried out a few hours before and during the delivery to prevent the bacteria from growing rapidly after the treatment. Find out more about Streptococcus B in the embarazo.

It is important that the diagnosis of the treatment of S. agalactiae when embarazo is carried out correctly to prevent the baby from becoming infected during childbirth and complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, septicemia and even death.

treatment for him S. agalactiae

The treatment for infection by S. agalactiae It is carried out with antibiotics, normally using Penicillin, Vancomycin, Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin or Erythromycin, which must be administered according to medical indications.

When the bacteria affects bones, joints or soft tissues, for example, it can be indicated by the doctor, in addition to the use of antibiotics, the performance of a surgery to remove and sterilize the infection site.

In the case of infection by S. agalactiae during embarazo, the first treatment option indicated by the doctor is with Penicilina. If this treatment is not effective, the doctor may recommend the use of Ampicillin for the embarassed woman.