EPI Information

• A - Z Index of Diseases & Conditions
• Disease Reporting
• Publications
• Request for Data
• Contact Us

Information for

• Laboratories

Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Airborne and Direct Contact Diseases - Group B Strep

Group B streptococcus (group B strep) is a type of bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. Group B strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.

Group B strep is the most common cause of sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining around the brain) in newborns. Group B strep is a frequent cause of newborn pneumonia and is more common than other, more well-known, newborn problems such as rubella, congenital syphilis, and spina bifida. Good prenatal care and testing during pregnancy can greatly reduce the risk of newborn infection.

• Group B Strep Adobe PDF* (*free viewer)
• Federal CDC Group B Streptococcus page
• Group B Streptococcus Fact Sheet Microsoft Word* or Adobe PDF* (*free viewer)

Maine.gov | DHHS Home | Site Policies | Language Access | Comments/Questions