[Bacterial pathogen colonization of the uterus in puerperium]

In a prospective study the spectrum of bacteriological organisms in the uterus was analysed within the first 3 days post partum. Smears were taken from the ectocervix and from the cavum uteri from 80 asymptomatic puerperae (70 had delivered spontaneously and 10 had had a vaginal-operative delivery). The smears were achieved using an endometrium catheter with a pilot cap. After the specialised sampling had been undertaken, in 47 of the 70 patients with spontaneous delivery and in 1 of the patients with operative delivery, no bacterial invasion was found in the cavum uteri. After prophylactic administration of antibiotics prenatally, bacterial organisms were found significantly less often (p < 0.05). On the other hand, intrauterine bacterial organisms were found significantly more frequently in patients who had had cervix priming with PGE2 and where foetal blood analysis had been performed sub partum (p < 0.05). Contrary to the smears from the cavum uteri, all ectocervical smears were positive. In 13 of 23 cases with positive proof of intrauterine bacterial organisms, a difference was found in the bacteriological spectrum compared with the parallel cervical smear taken. Further obstetrical factors play a role in influencing the bacterial invasion, however, there were no complications in any of the cases due to the smears being taken and no infections were observed during the rest of the lying-in period.