title: The prevalence and clinical significance of intraamniotic infection with Candida species in women with preterm labor.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chaim
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazor
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wiznitzer
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence