Chorioamnionitis and the isolation of microorganisms from the placenta.

Specimens for the isolation of microorganisms were obtained from the cervical canal in 83 and from the placenta in 86 of 90 women delivered by cesarean section. In addition, the placentas from 87 of these women were examined histopathologically. No correlation was found between the isolation of a given microorganism from the cervical canal and infectious disease in mothers and/or neonates. Isolation of microorganisms from the placenta was correlated with rupture of the membranes occurring six or more hours before surgery and, in women with intact fetal membranes, was correlated with uterine activity. Chorioamnionitis histopathologically was associated with maternal and/or neonatal infections and prematurity. Microorganisms were not isolated significantly more often from the placenta in cases with chorioamnionitis than without. The value of cervical and placental cultures in predicting intrauterine infection is questionable.