Antimicrobic activity of the amniotic fluid.
The amniotic fluid is commonly, though not unanimously, believed to include among its various functions a defensive one, against infections. This is due to the presence of immunoglobulins, immunocompetent cells and such factors like lysozyme, transferrin and zinc. However, evidence of this AF antimicrobic activity had been found only in the second half of the pregnancy period starting from the 20th gestational week. Our study has demonstrated its presence in a very high percentage (58.7%) of AF samples taken in early amniocenteses.
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000382:microbiology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk