Many persons are unaware of the factors surrounding streptococcus agalactiae until they face the condition directly or indirectly.
The risk factors, signs and symptoms along with the possible complications of the ailment are often elusive to many especially if they are facing the condition for the first time.
Also known as group B streptococcus, streptococcus agalactiae is a pathogen that was once thought to affect animals only. In recent times, however, it has been discovered that it occurs naturally in the female human urogenital tract. It?s actions are dependent on the conditions of the body it inhabits.
Streptococcus Agalactiae is the most common infection affecting newborns in the western world. It is commonly passed on from mother to infant during childbirth. It is difficult to control since it comprises a part of the normal microbiological flora of the body. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent and cure the illness.
Persons at Risk
Newborns are among the list of people who are most susceptible to contracting this infection. Person with immunodeficiency are also prone to the disease. Immunodeficiency can be caused by HIV/AIDS or by reduction in the body’s ability to defend itself.
Treatments for other illnesses such as cancer normally cause the disabling of the body?s defense mechanism. Because of the complication arising with immunodefficiency issues, cancer patients who are undergoing treatment may be prone to the condition.
Infants who are afflicted by the illness are more likely to suffer severe effects and even death than adults. The key to successfully treating the condition is timely detection and prompt treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Streptococcus agalactiae can have a wide range of serious effects on children especially infants. Newborns with an advanced infection may have vomiting and fever and seem irritable. The fever attributed to the ailment may be difficult to manage and a source ofr the affliction may elude parents and doctors.
Newborns in the advanced stage of the infection may also have sepsis hearing loss and may even die. Sepsis is an inflammation that is present all over the body. This symptom may accompany the other signs of the condition such as hearing loss in infants triggered by the infection spreading to the ear canals. The hearing loss may give the mistaken perception that the infant is suffering from a neurological disorder.
The most serious complication for the infant is death. The sudden death of infants due to the infection may occur if they are born with a weak immune system. Additionally, infants may die if their affliction is not diagnosed and treated in time. Many infants succumb to the infection simply because, at birth, their bodies are not prepared to handle the intensity of the infection.
Effects on Adults
This condition in adults may trigger serious damage to the body and its organs if effective treatment is not applied. Adults with the ailment are likely to experience the same symptoms experienced by infants with the infection. The only symptoms unique to adults are those that are associated with other strains of steptococcus infections.
The symptoms faced by adults with the infection include scarlet fever which can lead to more serious ailments. If hygienic practices are neglected, older people may be more prone to this infection.
Steptococcus agalactiae is no respector of age. The possible complications are so serious that diagnosis and speedy treatment are critical.
