Question

Maria is three months pregnant. For which of the following bacterial infections will her physician likely have her tested during the final weeks of her pregnancy?

1) Chlamydia
2) Gonorrhea
3) Group B Streptococcus
4) Syphilis

Answer 1

According to the sources I found, the physician will likely to test for the following.

1, 2, and 3.

Answer 2

During the final weeks of her pregnancy, Maria's physician will likely screen her for Group B Streptococcus, which can be harmful to newborns if transmitted during childbirth (3). Tests for other STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea may also be conducted earlier in pregnancy or for high-risk individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Maria's physician will likely have her tested for several bacterial infections during the final weeks of her pregnancy, particularly for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). According to standard prenatal care practices, all pregnant women are typically screened for GBS at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. This bacterium resides in the intestine and can sometimes be found in the vagina and rectum of healthy women.

While GBS is mostly harmless in adults, it can cause serious illness in newborns if transmitted during childbirth. Pregnant women may also be tested for other STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea earlier in pregnancy or if they are at high risk, given that these infections can cause various complications including preterm delivery, neonatal infections, and in the case of syphilis, serious fetal harm or death. It's important to note that these bacterial STIs are typically curable with antibiotics if detected early.