Intrauterine Bacterial Infections

Abstract

A present reality of obstetric practice is the regular occurrence of intrauterine infection that threatens both the mother and the fetus. Beginning with Gregg’s observation that rubella virus infection of the mother could be spread transplacentally to her offspring with teratogenic consequence, the problem of intrauterine viral infection has been vigorously addressed. The problem of congenital rubella syndrome (discussed elsewhere) has been diminished as a result of both evaluation of maternal susceptibility and rubella vaccination in the normal battery of childhood immunizations. Probably because intrauterine bacterial infections rarely cause morbidity as striking as that caused by intrauterine viral infections, less attention has been paid to the problem of intrauterine bacterial infection than has been given to viral infection. With current understanding of the etiology and methods for preventing congenital defects due to intrauterine viral infection, interest has begun to shift toward intrauterine bacterial infection. With this increased interest has come the recognition that intrauterine bacterial infection may be more prevalent than previously believed and may also evoke such consequences as premature delivery.