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Permeation of human chorioamniotic membranes by Escherichia coli in vitro
T N Gyr1, A Malek, F Mathez-Loic
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Objective:
Our goal was to study the permeation of Escherichia coli through human chorioamniotic membranes in vitro.
Study Design:
Medium was placed in two compartments separated by chorioamniotic membranes obtained from six cesarean sections at term. The compartment faced by the chorion was inoculated with E. coli. Both compartments were sampled over 12 hours for observation of bacterial growth. Controls were performed without membranes.
Results:
In the compartment that was inoculated, concentration of E. coli increased from 10(6) to 10(10) colony-forming units per milliliter. In the compartment faced by amnion, bacterial growth was observed after 6 hours and reached 10(3) colony-forming units per milliliter. Permeation of E. coli was confirmed histopathologically. The change of glucose and lactate was linear. In the controls the concentration of E. coli increased to 10(7) (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
E. coli organisms permeate viable chorioamniotic membranes. The membranes constitute a weak barrier against ascending infection and do not inhibit bacterial growth.
Insights
Escherichia coli (E. coli) can pass through human chorioamniotic membranes in laboratory settings. These membranes offer a weak defense against ascending infections, allowing bacterial growth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ascending infections pose a significant risk during pregnancy.
- The chorioamniotic membranes act as a protective barrier between the maternal and fetal environments.
- Understanding the integrity of this barrier against microbial invasion is crucial for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro permeation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) through human chorioamniotic membranes.
- To assess the role of these membranes as a barrier against bacterial translocation.
- To evaluate the impact of E. coli presence on membrane viability and bacterial growth.
Main Methods:
- Human chorioamniotic membranes from term cesarean sections were used in a two-compartment in vitro model.
- One compartment was inoculated with E. coli, and bacterial growth was monitored over 12 hours.
- Histopathological examination confirmed bacterial permeation, and metabolic changes (glucose, lactate) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- E. coli concentrations increased significantly in the inoculated compartment, reaching 10(10) colony-forming units/mL.
- E. coli permeated the membranes, with detectable growth (10(3) colony-forming units/mL) in the amnion-facing compartment after 6 hours.
- Histopathology confirmed E. coli passage, and metabolic markers showed linear changes, indicating membrane activity.
Conclusions:
- Viable human chorioamniotic membranes are permeable to E. coli.
- The chorioamniotic membranes provide a weak barrier against ascending infections.
- These membranes do not inhibit bacterial growth, highlighting a potential pathway for intrauterine infections.