title: [Amniotic fluid and neonatal infection].
abstract: Bacterial contamination of amniotic fluid (AF) leads to a fetal contamination and, in less than 10% of cases, to an infection. A rupture of the membranes longer than 24 hours increases the frequency of bacterial contamination/infection of the fetus. However an AF contamination, due to a pathogen bacteria found in the vaginal flora, is possible trough intact membranes. Quantitative bacteriological studies of AF allows to predict an high risk of fetal infection. Antibacterial substances are found in AF, specially a zinc protein complex which has bacteriostatic activity against E. Coli and Streptococcus B in, respective, 68% and 36% of caucasian women. Heavy contamination, virulence of the pathogen and neonatal immunity are, with AF antibacterial factors, the parameters explaining why an AF contamination can lead to fetal/neonatal infection.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy
vernacular_title: Liquide amniotique et infection néonatale.