The section on bacterial infections contains information on group B streptococcus, listeria, mastitis and haemophilus.
| Bacterial infection | Aetiology | Implications in pregnancy | Diagnostic test |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAS | Group A streptococcus | Life-threatening sepsis in pregnancy or the puerperium | Bacteriological specimens |
| GBS | Group B streptococcus or Streptococcus agalactiae | Early-onset neonatal infection, which results in sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis | Vaginal swab for bacteriological screening |
| Listeria | Listeria monocytogenes | Miscarriage, preterm labour and IUD. Congenital infection (often fatal) | Blood culture, rectovaginal culture and Gram staining |
| Mastitis | Usually skin flora | Breast abscesses (if inadequately treated) | Usually clinical |
| Haemophilus | Haemophili | Meningitis, but it is also a rare commensal of the vaginal flora and can cause chorioamnionitis, endometritis and neonatal infection | Culture or ELISA |