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Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
Staphylococcus lugdunensis cultured from the amniotic fluid at Caesarean Section
Zbigniew Marchocki1, Kevin Collins, Eimear Lehane
1Anu Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
Plos One
|February 15, 2013
Summary
This study reports the first isolation of Staphylococcus lugdunensis from amniotic fluid. This finding raises new concerns for postpartum infectious complications in mothers and neonates following Cesarean delivery.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a virulent coagulase-negative staphylococcus, often mistaken for Staphylococcus aureus.
- Initially considered a skin commensal, it is now recognized as a significant human pathogen causing severe infections like endocarditis and osteomyelitis.
- While linked to endometritis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis has not been previously isolated from amniotic fluid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the novel isolation of Staphylococcus lugdunensis from amniotic fluid.
- To highlight the potential implications of this finding for postpartum infections.
Main Methods:
- Amniotic fluid samples were collected during Cesarean Sections via direct needle aspiration.
- Samples were analyzed using Staphylococcal API test kits for bacterial identification.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus lugdunensis was identified in two amniotic fluid samples.
- The clinical significance of these findings is currently undetermined.
Conclusions:
- This marks the first documented instance of Staphylococcus lugdunensis cultured from amniotic fluid.
- The presence of this pathogen in amniotic fluid is a novel concern, particularly given the association of Cesarean delivery with postpartum infections.
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