Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and fetal death.
BACKGROUND
Preterm premature rupture of membranes leading to intraamniotic infection and fetal death may be due to unusual bacterial species.


METHODS
A young multipara presented at 24 weeks and 6 days' gestation with rupture of membranes of 2 days' duration. She was febrile and hypotensive. No fetal heart activity was noted. Antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and oxytocin were begun with delivery of a 798-g stillborn fetus. Maternal and fetal cultures demonstrated Streptococcus bovis as the infectious agent.


CONCLUSIONS
Unusual bacteria such as S bovis are sometimes responsible for severe maternal and fetal infections. Aggressive fluid resuscitation, uterine evacuation, and triple antibiotic therapy until culture results are available are indicated.
White
Benjamin A
BA
St. Charles Mercy/St. Vincent Mercy Hospitals, in affiliation with Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Toledo, Ohio 43612, USA. carben1@msn.com
Labhsetwar
S A
SA
Mian
Alec N
AN
D000328:Adult; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000382:microbiology*; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections; D016985:Streptococcus bovis