Group B Streptococcus is commonly resistant to which antibiotic?

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is often resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is a combination antibiotic that affects bacterial folic acid synthesis. GBS has intrinsic resistance mechanisms that limit the effectiveness of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, making it less reliable for treating infections caused by this organism.

In contrast, GBS is usually susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and ceftriaxone. These medications are often the first line of treatment for GBS infections because of their effectiveness against this particular bacteria. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is generally not used for GBS infections either but is not typically associated with intrinsic resistance in the same way as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Therefore, understanding the antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for proper management of GBS in clinical settings.