GBS in adult population:
- There are 10 cases in every 100,000 non-pregnant adults each year.
- There are 25 cases in every 100,000 adults 65 years or older each year.
Currently, no vaccine is licensed for the prevention of GBS.
Bacteria called group B Streptococcus (GBS) commonly live in people’s gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Most of the time the bacteria are not harmful and do not make people feel sick or have any symptoms. Sometimes the bacteria invade the body and cause certain infections, which are known as GBS disease. GBS disease is more common in newborns.
GBS bacteria can cause many types of infections:
Babies may have long-term problems, such as deafness and developmental disabilities, due to having GBS disease.
GBS in adult population:
2 to 3 in every 50 babies (4% to 6%) who develop GBS disease will die.
Adults* (1)
* Maternal immunisation