Penicillin is the most common and effective antibiotic used to kill Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria.
Understanding GBS and its Treatment
Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Group B Strep, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the vagina and rectum. While often harmless to adults, GBS can cause serious infections in newborns. Therefore, pregnant women are routinely screened for GBS. If a pregnant woman tests positive, she'll receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor to protect her baby.
Several sources confirm penicillin's effectiveness:
- Mayo Clinic: States that penicillin and amoxicillin are common oral antibiotics used to treat GBS complications in pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/group-b-strep/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351735
- Medscape: Highlights penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin as the treatments of choice for GBS endocarditis (a serious heart infection). https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/229091-treatment
- March of Dimes: Recommends penicillin as the best antibiotic for most people with GBS. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/group-b-strep-infection
- ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists): Indicates penicillin as the typical antibiotic for treating GBS during pregnancy, with alternatives available for penicillin allergies. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/group-b-strep-and-pregnancy and https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/02/prevention-of-group-b-streptococcal-early-onset-disease-in-newborns
While penicillin is the primary choice, other antibiotics such as ampicillin and vancomycin may be used in specific situations, such as penicillin allergies or severe infections. The choice of antibiotic depends on several factors, including the severity and location of the infection.
