Fusobacterium chorioamnionitis: report of two cases in preterm labor with intact amniotic membranes

Preterm labor (PTL) in women with intact membranes may be caused by developing chorioamnionitis. Fusobacterium displays the ability to cause chorioamnionitis in the presence of intact amniotic membrane.

We report 2 patients with severe Fusobacterium chorioamnionitis which resulted in premature termination of pregnancy. Both patients presented with PTL and intact membranes. Neither initially appeared acutely ill. Despite the benign appearance, one woman rapidly deteriorated, requiring ventilation, pressor support, and surgical evacuation of the uterus.

We feel that a Gram's Stain and proper collection of anaerobic cultures at the time of amniocentesis should be part of the evaluation of every patient with suspected chorioamnionitis.