The role of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal bacteria in amniotic fluid infection in women in preterm labor with intact fetal membranes.

Amniotic fluid infection, which is defined by the presence of microorganisms in the amniotic fluid, is associated with preterm birth and poor neonatal outcome, including neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, low birth weight, and neonatal death [1, 2]. Amniotic fluid infection is common among women in preterm labor. The frequency of positive amniotic fluid cultures among women presenting in preterm labor with intact fetal membranes has ranged from 4% to 26% [2]. The microbiological risk factors for amniotic fluid infection in women with intact fetal membranes have not been well de-

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