Isolation rates and pathogenicity of enterococci in obstetric and gynecological operations

Isolation of enterococci in patients undergoing obstetric and gynecological operations was studied as well as reviewing the postoperative infection due to this organism during the period from 1985 to 1990. 1) In 126 cases undergoing abdominal total hysterectomy, vaginal specimens were obtained before and after (3rd day) the operation. The isolation rates increased after the operation (before 16.7%, after 35.7%). They increased not only in the group using PIPC, CEZ, CEPR, CMZ, and LMOX by drip infusion but also in the group without prophylactic use of antibiotics. On the other hand in the group using CP vaginal suppositories, the isolation rate decreased. However no statistical proof was obtained as to antibiotics especially in regard to cephem drugs as the reason for the increase. 2) Enterococci were isolated from the surgical field during abdominal total hysterectomy in only 2.0% (n = 88). 3) Isolation rates of enterococci inside the transvaginal drain following radical hysterectomy (n = 30) reached 86.7%. 4) E. faecalis was isolated in 20.0% of the cases with wound infection (n = 25). However isolated Enterococcus strains were not regarded to be the causative organism. 5) There was one case of postoperative enterococcal septicemia in treating stage Ib adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.