Summary
Intraamniotic infection is considered a major etiologic factor of preterm birth. Positive amniotic fluid cultures are rarely contaminated with Candida species. The presence of this microorganism is associated with a poor pregnancy outcome. Out of 773 transabdominal amniocenteses performed in women presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes, 77 patients (9.9%) had positive amniotic fluid cultures and in 5 women (6.5%) Candida species were identified. On the other hand, 625 amniocenteses were performed in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes and 178 (28%) had positive cultures. Only in 4 patients was Candida isolated (2.2%) (P=0.13 Fisher’s exact test). The importance of early and accurate diagnosis of intraamniotic infection with Candida is pointed out. A transabdominal amniocentesis for microbiological examination is suggested for every woman presenting with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes and especially for those who conceived with a retained IUD or cervical cerclage.
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Chaim, W., Mazor, M. & Wiznitzer, A. The prevalence and clinical significance of intraamniotic infection with Candida species in women with preterm labor. Arch Gynecol Obstet 251, 9–15 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02718273
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02718273