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Poor perinatal outcome associated with maternal Brucella abortus infection
F D Malone1, A Athanassiou, L A Nores
1Division of Material-Fetal Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. fergal.malone@es.nemc.org
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Maternal Brucella abortus infection can cause severe perinatal complications, including preterm labor and chorioamnionitis. This case challenges previous beliefs about human pregnancy
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Perinatology
Background:
- Previous reports suggested human pregnancy is resistant to Brucella abortus infection.
- Protective mechanisms in humans were thought to prevent adverse obstetric outcomes.
Observation:
- A case of maternal brucellosis is presented.
- The infection led to preterm labor, chorioamnionitis, and placental abruption.
- Delivery occurred at 25 weeks' gestation despite medical intervention.
Findings:
- Maternal blood and amniotic fluid cultures confirmed Brucella abortus species.
- The infant was live-born at 25 weeks' gestational age.
Implications:
- Maternal Brucella abortus infection can cause significant perinatal morbidity.
- This case questions the presumed human pregnancy resistance to Brucella abortus.
- Highlights the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing brucellosis during pregnancy.