Group B streptococcus amnionitis with intact membranes associated with quintuplet delivery

Chorioamnionitis is a frequent cause of premature labour and delivery, as well as of maternal and neonatal mortality. Group B streptococcus (GBS) has emerged over the past decade as a common pathogen in the etiology of neonatal sepsis. The case of chorioamnionitis reported here is unusual for three reasons: the premature labour was associated with intact membrane and amniotic fluid infected with GBS; all 5 infants were contaminated with GBS and all infants survived. Chorioamniotitis with intact membranes raises some questions regarding the antepartum use of steroids (potent anti-inflammatory agents), etc. The likelihood of chorioamnionitis in spite of cervical mucus, intact membranes, and the bacteriostatic activity of the amniotic fluid should alert the obstetrician to take special precautions, such as weekly vaginal cultures and appropriate vaginal antimicrobial treatment, in cases of imminent premature delivery.