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Bacterial contamination of amniotic membrane
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary Westfield College, London E1 4NS, UK. p.j.adds@qmw.ac.uk
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Bacterial contamination is common on placental membranes. Amniotic membrane for ocular surgery should be sourced from elective caesarean deliveries to minimize pathogenic bacteria risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Amniotic membrane grafts are increasingly used in ocular surgery.
- Understanding placental membrane contamination is crucial for graft safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacterial contaminants on placental membranes from vaginal and caesarean deliveries.
- To assess the risk of pathogenic bacteria in relation to delivery type.
Main Methods:
- Placental membrane samples were collected after elective caesarean and normal vaginal deliveries.
- Bacterial contaminants present on the membranes were identified.
Main Results:
- All placental membrane samples exhibited bacterial contamination.
- Vaginal deliveries yielded a higher diversity of bacterial species.
- Several recovered species were identified as pathogenic or potentially pathogenic.
Conclusions:
- Placentas from vaginal deliveries pose a greater risk of pathogenic bacterial contamination.
- Amnion for ocular surface procedures should be exclusively sourced from placentas following elective caesarean deliveries.