Lactobacillemia of amniotic fluid origin

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Lactobacillus species are common commensals.
• Serious infections attributed to Lactobacillus are rare but significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of amnionitis and bacteremia caused by Lactobacillus sp.
• To review the literature on serious Lactobacillus infections.
• To emphasize the clinical significance of Lactobacillus in infections.

Main Methods:

• Case reporting of four patients with Lactobacillus amnionitis and postpartum endometritis.
• Reporting of three cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia, including two in infants.
• Literature review of Lactobacillus sp. as a cause of serious infections.

Main Results:

• Four cases of amnionitis due to Lactobacillus sp. were identified, all with postpartum endometritis.
• Three cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia were observed.
• Two of the bacteremia cases occurred in infants.

Conclusions:

• Lactobacillus sp. can be an important pathogen in postpartum infections.
• Clinical consideration of Lactobacillus is crucial when isolated from symptomatic patients.
• Further investigation into the pathogenic potential of Lactobacillus is warranted.