Bacteriological study of Amniotic fluid During labor

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Abstract
Amniotic fluid from 207 women in labor was analyzed at the time of artificial rupture of membranes or by amniocentesis. The following organisms were identified in concentrations of more than 1000/ml: Staphylococcus aureus (1), Propionibacterium (1), Escherichia coli (1), group B Streptococci (3), Lactobacilli (16). The 6 patient-carriers of pathogens became infected as did 4 of their babies. Leukocyte counts and lactate dehydrogenase levels performed on amniotic fluid did not correlate with the appearance of symptoms of infection. Quantitative bacteriology of amniotic fluid seems to be of value in identifying patients at high risk of developing endometritis and/or neonatal sepsis.