Isolation of mycoplasmas and bacteria from the blood of postpartum women.

Mycoplasmas and/or bacteria were recovered from the blood cultures of 26 (20.8%) of 125 febrile postpartum women. Genital mycoplasmas were recovered from 16 (12.8%) of the 125 febrile women and from none of 60 afebrile postpartum women (p less than 0.005). The presence of mycoplasmaemia was associated with a young age, primigravidity, and nulliparity. The isolation of organisms from the blood was also associated with fever during labor, internal monitor use, and a cesarean delivery.