What treatments are available for group b streptococcal infections?

Antibiotics: Group b strep is a bacteria present in vaginal flora; although harmless to women, it can cause devastating disease in the newborn. That is why pregnant women are screened for group b strep – and it positive are given Ampicillin a few hours before delivery or an equivalent medication if the patient is Ampicillin allergic, to prevent transmission of the bacteria to the infant.

Penicillins: Group b streptococcal or streptococcus agalactiae infections are almost uniformly susceptable to penicillin g and Ampicillin that are the drugs used to treat infections with this organism. Gentamicin is used for synergy in serious infections. Vancomycin is used in patients with severe (type 1) hypersensitivity to penicillin. There has been increasing resistance to Erythromycin and clindamycin.