Abstract
Preterm birth is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. An extensive body of evidence indicates that infection is associated with preterm delivery and with low birth weight of the infant.
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Chorioamnionitis is strongly correlated with preterm delivery
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,
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and the failure of tocolytic-drug therapy.
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Evidence of infection, manifested by the presence of organisms or inflammatory cytokines in the amniotic fluid or chorioamniotic membranes,
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–
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commonly accompanies preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes, particularly at the earliest gestational ages. Most microorganisms found in the amniotic fluid and placenta are thought to come from the vagina, especially among . . .
