A Bactericidin for Bacillus Subtilis in Pregnancy

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Abstract
Conclusions and Summary: The relationship of pregnancy to the presence of a bactericidin for Bacillus Subtilis has been studied in 100 pregnant patients and 25 non-pregnant patients. No statistically significant difference between the pregnant and nonpregnant state is noted for the frequency of its occurrence, but the levels attained in the pregnant patients were higher. No difference in frequency or levels is noted between patients with and without complications. A bactericidin for B. subtilis has been found in amniotic fluid and intervillous space blood. The presence of this substance in amniotic fluid tends to support the thesis that clotting is not a pre-requisite to its presence. The distinct absence of the bactericidin in cord blood, except on two occasions, and then at the very lowest titer, indicates some type of placental inhibition of transfer of this substance from the mother to the fetus.