INCIDENCE OF UROGENITAL INFECTIONS IN PRETERM LABOUR AND PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES

INTRODUCTION: Urogenital infections are common causes of preterm labor (PTL) and premature rupture of membranes (prom). The present study was aimed at correlating the colonization of the organisms and possible infections in the vagina and urinary tract of mothers presenting with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes with colonization of the same organisms in the newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred high vaginal swabs and urine of patients with preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes were subjected to bacteriological studies according to the recommended procedures. Ten nasopharyngeal swabs from the new born were collected from the neonates and looked for colonization of the organisms. RESULTS: Out of 55 and 36 cases of PROM and PTL, 69% and 72% showed infection respectively (Table 1). Out of 9 patients with both PROM and PTL, 44% had infection. The commonest organisms isolated were Enterococcus species (27%) and Klebsiella species (24%) from vaginal infection and Escherichia coli (3%) and S. aureus (2%) from Urinary tract infection. The organisms isolated from cases of PROM and PTL are also demonstrated in the nasopharynx of the new born. CONCLUSION: Urogenital infections constitute major risk factors for premature of membrane and preterm labour, which is entirely preventable.