The spectrum of infective agents in 58 preterm deliveries with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) is examinated by assessment of bacteriological swabs. In the earliest weeks of gestation all children had severe RDS. Nearly 40% of the detected pathogens belonged to the non pathogenic vaginal flora. E. coli, Streptococcus species, Klebsiella and Candida were predominant in the group of facultative pathogenic infective agents. There is an enlarged colonization in maternal swabs after greater than 24 h. In nearly 80% of the children with severe RDS pathogens could be detected. Ascending infection is followed more often by severe RDS. In case of premature labor refractory to tocolytic therapy or slight vaginal bleeding, cervical swabs should be taken. Pathological findings must be treated by local antiseptic agents or antibiotic therapy. If there are any signs of intrauterine infection the pregnancy must be terminated to avert damage from the newborn.

Bacteria↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Bacteriologic studies of the amniotic fluid following amniocentesis].

After transabdominal amniocentesis puncture needles and samples of amniotic fluid were microbiologically examined. The antibacterial activity of the amniotic fluid after inoculation of different germs was compared. Positive microbiological results were found in 43 of total 573 puncture needles, but there were germs of the skin flora in 40 cases. Five amniotic fluid samples out of total 424 were contaminated, whereby skin commensals were detected in four samples. The bacteriostatic activity against the examined germs was individually. Complete growth inhibition over 24 hours was observed in cultures with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Staph. aureus and E. coli, a less growth inhibition over nearly 10 hours for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The growth of Strep. faecalis was not suppressed. As result of the frequent observation of skin commensals in amniocentesis puncture needles and amniotic fluid samples clear lines for the performance of the amniocentesis on antiseptic condition basis and for the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in case of positive microbiological findings were recommended.

Amniocentesis↗