Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection, Serum Test
Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection, Serum Test
Group B Streptococcus is usually a harmless bacterium, which is present in the gut, throat, vagina and rectum. It does not produce any symptoms in healthy adults with healthy immune systems but can be fatal for infants exposed to these bacteria during vaginal delivery and people with compromised immune systems. If left untreated in infants, it can cause many complications. This test can detect the presence of this bacteria indirectly by checking for chemicals that are specific to these bacteria in the blood sample. If detected early, antibiotics can help treat the complications due to this disease.
What is the Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection, Serum Test Used For?
This test is used to detect chemicals specific to the Streptococcus Group B bacteria, called as an antigen. Presence of these antigens might point towards the presence of this bacteria. This test is recommended for people who have weaker immune systems due to suffering from conditions such as HIV, liver diseases, diabetes, etc. Older people suffering from other chronic conditions are also susceptible to this infection. Pregnant people, as a part of their routine screening and infants showing symptoms or at risk of this infection are also recommended this test.
Symptoms of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Infection
The symptoms for this infection in adults are
Fever
Chills
Breathing difficulties
Pain in the Chest area
Joint pain
Swelling in the joints
Bumps in the skin with pus that may be painful to the touch
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are consuming are undergoing. There are no special preparations for this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
This test detects the presence of chemicals that are particular to the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria. These chemicals are capable of inducing an immune response from the body, and are called as antigens.
POSITIVE TEST: Presence of these antigens would indicate a positive result. This may mean that you have likely had a GBS infection in the past, or are currently going through an active infection phase. Sometimes, these tests are positive even after the symptoms have subsided.
NEGATIVE TEST: Absence of these antigens would indicate that there are no GBS in the blood and you are probably not infected with the GBS.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection, Serum test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. For infants, blood might be taken from the heel of their feet.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for Streptococcus Group B Antigen Detection, Serum test?
The tests results should come within 1-2 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis.
Who is at risk of developing Group B Streptococcus infection?
People who are at risk of developing this disease have weaker immune systems or other complications like diabetes. Infants exposed to this infection during a normal vaginal delivery from mothers who were infected with the group B Streptococcus or were carriers without any symptoms are also at risk.
What is the treatment for this infection?
For infants with this infection, antibiotics are delivered through the vein. For adults, oral antibiotics are prescribed.
How to prevent this infection in infants, if they get infected from their mothers during normal delivery?
Soon to be mothers can undergo a test for the presence of the bacteria group B streptococcus antigen by submitting vaginal and rectal swab samples. If it is present, oral antibiotics that do not harm the baby, are prescribed by the doctors few weeks before the delivery date.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics