Newborns exposed to the Gram-positive bacterium ________ during vaginal birth are at risk of developing neonatal meningitis.
A) Streptococcus agalactiae
B) Listeria monocytogenes
C) Haemophilus influenzae
D) Neisseria meningitidis
E) Streptococcus pneumoniae

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Streptococcus agalactiae (also known as Group B Streptococcus or GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in the vaginal and rectal areas of healthy women. If a woman carrying GBS gives birth vaginally, the newborn may become colonized with the bacteria and be at risk of developing neonatal meningitis, among other infections. This is why pregnant women are routinely screened for GBS during prenatal care and given antibiotics during labor if they test positive to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby. Listeria monocytogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are also potential causes of neonatal meningitis, but they are not specifically associated with vaginal birth and GBS colonization.

Newborns Exposed to the Gram-Positive Bacterium ________ During Vaginal Birth