Early-onset Group B Streptococcus infection in newborns typically manifests within how many hours after birth?

Early-onset Group B Streptococcus infection in newborns typically manifests within how many hours after birth?

• A. 24 to 48 hours
• B. 72 hours to 1 week
• C. 2 weeks
• D. 1 month

Answer: (A)

Early-onset GBS disease is tied to infection acquired during labor, so signs often appear very soon after birth. The typical onset is within the first day or two of life, most commonly within 24 to 48 hours. Infants may present with respiratory distress, sepsis, or pneumonia during this early window. Timeframes such as 72 hours to 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month reflect later-onset illness rather than early-onset, which is why 24 to 48 hours is the best answer. Intrapartum antibiotics for GBS‑carrying mothers have reduced the incidence of early-onset disease, but when it occurs, it requires prompt evaluation and treatment.

Early-onset GBS disease is tied to infection acquired during labor, so signs often appear very soon after birth. The typical onset is within the first day or two of life, most commonly within 24 to 48 hours. Infants may present with respiratory distress, sepsis, or pneumonia during this early window. Timeframes such as 72 hours to 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month reflect later-onset illness rather than early-onset, which is why 24 to 48 hours is the best answer. Intrapartum antibiotics for GBS‑carrying mothers have reduced the incidence of early-onset disease, but when it occurs, it requires prompt evaluation and treatment.