Preterm labor is the final common pathway after several potential insults to the fetomaternal unit. As a common cause, intrauterine infections (both clinically evident and subclinical) are associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in the amniotic fluid and the gestational tissues. This fact represents the trigger for “the intrauterine inflammatory response syndrome” as a...

The foetus is dependent on its mother for passive immunity involving receptor-mediated specific transport of antibodies. IgG antibody is present in highest concentration in serum and is the only antibody type that can cross the placenta efficiently, except for its IgG2 subclass. Most of the pathogenic manifestations affecting the foetus involve capsular antigens and polysaccharides of pathogens...

BACKGROUND Misperceptions persist that intrauterine device placement is related to pelvic infections and Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing results are needed prior to placement. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the relationship of Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening to pelvic infection for up to 2 years following placement of the levonorgestrel 52-mg intrauterine system. STUDY DESIGN A total of ...

Data derived from molecular microbiological investigations of the human vagina have led to the discovery of resident bacterial communities that exhibit marked differences in terms of species composition. All undergo dynamic changes that are likely due to intrinsic host and behavioral factors. Similar types of bacteria have been found in both amniotic fluid and the vagina, suggesting a potential...

As many as 50% of spontaneous preterm births are infection-associated. Intrauterine infection leads to a maternal and fetal inflammatory cascade, which produces uterine contractions and may also result in long-term adverse outcomes, such as cerebral palsy. This article addresses the prevalence, microbiology, and management of intrauterine infection in the setting of preterm labor with intact me...

BACKGROUND Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common intrauterine infection which can cause severe developmental disabilities. Transmission of the virus to the fetus occurs in only 40% of primarily infected women. The probability of intrauterine transmission is higher when infection occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy than in the first trimester. The Toll-like receptors (TLR...

Maternal and neonatal infections with Salmonella typhi have been well documented. There are only two previous case reports of intrauterine infection with non-typhoidal species. This paper presents a third case of maternal septicemia followed by neonatal sepsis with Salmonella heidelberg.

Intrauterine infections are important causes of childhood blindness in both developed and developing countries. Chorioretinal scars are the most characteristic eye manifestation of a congenital or prenatal infection. The various ocular manifestations of congenital infections, summarized by the mnemonic TORCH, and recent additions to the "other" category (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and W...