Prevalence, spectrum and sensitivity of bacterial and fungal infection at 21st to 33rd weeks gestational age with preterm rupture of membrane – 5 years of experience in 1 perinatal centre

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence, spectrum and sensitivity of bacterial and fungal infection at 21st till 33rd week gestation age with preterm rupture of membranes.

Study design: Cervical swabs from 188 subjects with PROM were analysed with cultivation method in a retrospective cohort study. A subgroup analysis of 21st to 27th (group A) and 28th to 33rd (group B) weeks gestation was evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of pathological bacterial infection were similar in both study groups (39.6% vs. 39.8%; p>0.05), however different antibiotic sensitivities were noted, which did not reach statistical significance (resistance of ampicillin 68.4% vs. 48.8%; cefuroxim 10.5% vs. 11.9%; gentamicin 31.6% vs. 20.9%, ciprofloxacin 5.6% vs. 2.6%). In group A there was a statistically significant lower rate of fungal infections (12.5% vs. 27.4%; p=0.04).

Conclusion: In extremely low PROM the rate of fungal infection (group A) is lower and there might also be a different antibiotic spectrum of pathological bacterial infection, however larger study groups are required.

antibiotic sensitivities - bacterial and fungal infection - preterm rupture of membrane - prevalence