Single-dose ampicillin prophylaxis does not eradicate enterococcus from the lower genital tract.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the carriage rate of enterococcus in the lower genital tract of women having a cesarean delivery and to determine whether a single 2-g intraoperative dose of ampicillin eradicates enterococcus from the lower genital tract.


METHODS
Lower genital tract cultures were taken in 84 women who were in labor or had ruptured membranes and who were about to have an indicated cesarean delivery. The subjects were randomized to receive either a single 2-g dose of ampicillin or a cephalosporin as prophylaxis. Cultures were repeated 24 hours postpartum.


RESULTS
Enterococcus was isolated preoperatively in 33 subjects (39.3%) and postoperatively in 36 (42.9%). The enterococcus was eradicated in five of 17 women (29.5%) who received ampicillin.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that a single 2-g dose of ampicillin does not eradicate enterococcus from the lower genital tract.
Graham
J M
JM
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston.
Blanco
J D
JD
Oshiro
B T
BT
Magee
K P
KP
Monga
M
M
Eriksen
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011292:Premedication; D011645:Puerperal Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*
D002511:Cephalosporins; D000667:Ampicillin