Who is at risk for group B streptococcal urinary tract infections?

Group B streptococcus usually lives harmlessly in the body, but can cause urinary tract infections and dangerous complications in pregnant women.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by group B streptococci are rare and occur mainly in people with weakened immune systems (diabetes or cancer), the elderly, pregnant women, or people who are obese. They account for 2-3% of UTIs in healthy adults. Normally, this type of bacteria resides in the digestive tract and genitals but does not cause harm.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts do not fully understand how streptococcus spreads between people and causes urinary tract infections. However, pregnant women can pass the bacteria to their fetuses during pregnancy. About 25% of pregnant women carry group B streptococcus. Therefore, obstetricians will regularly test pregnant women for group B streptococcus to prevent serious illness or the spread of bacteria to the fetus. Additionally, women aged 60 and older are also susceptible to group B streptococcus.

Symptoms of a streptococcal B UTI include: fever; painful or burning urination; frequent urination; pressure or pain in the lower abdomen; lower back pain; red, pink, or dark-colored urine.

[Caption]. Photo: Freepik — Pain in the lower abdomen is one of the signs of a streptococcal urinary tract infection. Photo: *Freepik*

Treatment for streptococcal UTIs usually includes three to seven days of oral antibiotics, depending on symptoms. Like most bacterial causes of UTIs, streptococcal infections usually clear up within three to four days of treatment. Recovery time may be longer if a person develops complications such as cystitis or a kidney infection. This is more likely if a person has a chronic condition such as an autoimmune disorder or a structural abnormality in the urinary system.

Pregnant women and other high-risk groups need to treat UTIs as soon as possible to prevent life-threatening complications for the fetus. The only way to know what is causing the infection is to get tested. Once tested, your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for each case.

Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to worse symptoms and complications such as: urinary stones, pyelonephritis (severe kidney infection); cystitis; urinary incontinence; kidney abscess; chronic prostatitis; prostate abscess; high blood pressure or kidney failure.

In addition to UTIs, group B streptococcus can also cause: blood infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, bone and joint infections, skin and soft tissue infections. According to the World Health Organization, up to 33% of all people worldwide carry group B streptococcus and often do not show symptoms because the bacteria exist harmlessly in the body but do not cause infection.

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