Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease (group B strep, GBS)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria commonly found in the gut or genital tract (vagina). GBS can occasionally cause serious infections in vulnerable people, in particular newborn babies.

Invasive GBS (iGBS) is an infection where the bacteria is isolated or detected from a normally sterile body site, such as blood or spinal fluid.

iGBS disease in infants under 90 days is a notifiable disease in Ireland.

igbs 2017

Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease (GBS) in infants aged <90 days in Ireland, 2018 

51 The number of invasive Group B streptococcal (iGBS) disease notifications in 2018
0.82 The national notification rate per 100,000 population in 2018

Last updated: 15 August 2019