Antimicrobial properties of amniotic fluid from some Nigerian women

Fifty-one amniotic fluids were aspirated via the vaginal route from 51 pregnant Nigerian mothers. Their antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Inhibition rates were 39.2% for Staph. aureus 19.6% for E. coli and 41.2% for C. albicans. The overall inhibitory capacity was 64.7%. Sixteen fluids (31.4%) were active against one organism, three fluids (5.9%) were active against two organisms and one fluid (2%) was active against the three organisms. Age, parity and meconium-staining of liquor had no correlation with antimicrobial properties. The possible explanations for these are given.