The Influence of Maternal Vaginal Aerobic Flora on Newborn Early Infections

Objectives: To study cervical colonization in women with premature rupture of membranes and the influence of infection on preterm newborns. Methods: Prospective analysis. Results: 167 (38.66%) from 432 preterm deliveries were complicated with premature prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM). Organisms which induce chorioamnionitis and newborns infections mostly belong to group B streptococci (GBS), E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In most cases of congenital neonatal sepsis cases bacteriological cultures from the mother had been negative. Documented sepsis during 72 hours of life was detected in 13.17% of our patients and 55.8% of women received antibiotics. The risk of neonatal mortality rises proportionally and significantly in relation to low birth weight in PRM cases. Conclusions: Further randomised trials with more sensitive methods of bacterial investigation should be conducted in order to reduce the incidence of preterm deliveries and newborn early infection.