Which population is most at risk for group B Streptococcus infection?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), scientifically known as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a significant cause of infections in certain populations, particularly in neonates. This bacterium colonizes the rectum and vagina in some women, and during childbirth, it can be transmitted to the newborn. Neonates are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, making them susceptible to sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis if they are exposed to GBS during delivery.

The risk is notably high in preterm infants, low-birth-weight infants, and those whose mothers carry GBS in their vaginal or rectal flora. Healthcare guidelines recommend screening pregnant women for GBS late in pregnancy to identify those who may need antibiotic prophylaxis during labor, which can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn.

While adults over 60 and elderly individuals can certainly suffer from GBS infections, particularly in the context of other health issues, the most acute risk pertaining specifically to GBS and its serious implications occurs in neonates during the perinatal period. Thus, understanding the timing and method of infection transmission highlights why neonates are identified as the population most at risk for GBS infections.