Bacterial contamination of the cervix and premature rupture of membranes.

The endocervical flora was examined in 32 women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Sixty-six pregnant women served as controls. Ten patients with PROM who later developed chorioamnionitis were also included in the study. Samples for culturing were obtained from the endocervix on admission and at delivery and later from the fetal surface of the placenta. Blood for culturing was also taken in cases of chorioamnionitis. The total number of bacteria in the endocervix and placenta was higher in patients with PROM. Anaerobes were the most common, except for the fetal surface of the placenta, where aerobes were found in greater numbers. Cultures of blood from women with chorioamnionitis were positive in seven cases. These findings suggest that the high incidence of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic cervical bacteria in pregnancy is related to chorioamnionitis and PROM.