Intra-amniotic infection caused by capnocytophaga species

Capnocytophaga species are common oral pathogens and infrequent causes of systemic infection in patients with compromised host. The isolation of this organism suggests an oral source of infection.

A 32-year-old woman was admitted at 23 weeks gestation in preterm premature rupture of the membranes. She subsequently developed signs of clinical intra-amniotic infection, including fever, fetal tachycardia, and uterine tenderness. Bacteriologic studies of the amniotic fluid by trans-abdominal amniocentesis and subchorionic placental cultures yielded Capnocytophaga species. On review of the patient's history, a temporal relation was noted between orogenital contact and onset of clinical infection. Thorough evaluation of the patient, including dental examination with periodontal cultures, did not reveal an obvious source of infection. However, significant periodontal disease was identified in her partner and Capnocytophaga species were isolated from her partner.

This case suggests that intra-amniotic infection may have been due to an ascending infection after orogenital contact.