Midtrimester abortion associated with septicaemia caused by Campylobacter jejuni

The clinical record of a patient who suffered a mid-trimester missed abortion during an acute febrile illness is presented. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from her blood cultures. Complete clinical recovery followed evacuation of the uterus and antibiotic therapy. Evidence of placental infection was found on histological examination. The possible role of campylobacter and other infections in fetal and perinatal death is discussed.