Babies surviving GBS disease ‘more likely to need special educational support’
(Danny Lawson/PA)
Babies who survive a potentially deadly disease caused by a common type of bacteria passed on from their mothers may be twice as likely to have life-changing disabilities and require special educational support than those not infected, research suggests.
Scientists in the UK and Europe found infants who develop invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease during the first days and months of their lives are at risk of having lasting neurodevelopmental impairments (NDI) – disabilities in the functioning of the brain that affect a child’s behaviour, memory or ability to learn.