Streptococcus bovis bacteremia and fetal death

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 100; no. 5; pp. 1126 - 1129
• Main Authors: White, Benjamin A, Labhsetwar, S.A, Mian, Alec N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.2002; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Bacteremia - microbiology; Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of mother, fetus and pregnancy; Female; Fetal Death - microbiology; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - microbiology; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy. Fetus. Placenta; Shock, Septic - microbiology; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus bovis; Human; Chorioamnionitis; Pregnancy disorders; Premature rupture of membrane; Placenta diseases; Bacteriological investigation; Bacteremia; Streptococcus bovis; Infection; Case study; Streptococcaceae; Fetal diseases; Microbiological investigation; Etiology; Bacteriosis; Delivery disorders; Bacteria; Micrococcales; Fetus; Death
• ISSN: 0029-7844; 1873-233X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0029-7844(02)02206-8

BACKGROUND: Preterm premature rupture of membranes leading to intraamniotic infection and fetal death may be due to unusual bacterial species. CASE: A young multipara presented at 24 weeks and 6 days’ gestation with rupture of membranes of 2 days’ duration. She was febrile and hypotensive. No fetal heart activity was noted. Antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and oxytocin were begun with delivery of a 798-g stillborn fetus. Maternal and fetal cultures demonstrated Streptococcus bovis as the infectious agent. CONCLUSION: Unusual bacteria such as S bovis are sometimes responsible for severe maternal and fetal infections. Aggressive fluid resuscitation, uterine evacuation, and triple antibiotic therapy until culture results are available are indicated.