Microbiological testing of amniotic fluid and cervical specimens obtained in the early second trimester: Prognostic value for the course of pregnancy?

Our purpose was to determine the impact of cervical and amniotic fluid colonization in the early second trimester on the course of pregnancy. Cervical canal and amniotic fluid specimens were obtained from 67 patients without increased risk for prematurity. The specimens were examined for facultative-pathogenic bacteria (including mycoplasmas), fungi and Chlamydia trachomatis. The outcome of preynancies was assessed in correlation with the microbiological findings. Of the patients studied 37% were cervically and 9% were intraamniotically colonized. Mycoplasmas dominated (cervix: 70%, amniotic fluid: 33%). In only two cases the same species was demonstrated at both sites. Women intra-amniotically colonized with microorganisms did not demonstrate a higher frequency of premature labor and premature rupture of membranes. Women with cervical detection of microorganisms demonstrate a tendency to higher frequencies of prematurity.