Chorioamnionitis due to Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

Abstract

Clinical chorioamnionitis can result either from the ascending organisms from vagina after rupture of membranes or via the blood stream. This report describes a case of chorioamnionitis caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, an unusual organism associated with this infection. A 19-year-old primigravida at 32 weeks of gestation presented with the complaints of fever, pain in the abdomen, and discharge per vaginum for the past 2 days. Watery, odorless, colorless, and discharge passing intermittently were noticed. A. haemolyticum was isolated from amniotic fluid. Upon induction, a healthy male baby weighing 1.9 kg was delivered. The patient was started on gentamicin and metronidazole for 8 days. Recovery was uneventful. The mother and baby were discharged on ninth day. Chorioamnionitis can result in significant maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Hence, it is important to ascertain the prompt diagnosis and treatment of suspected cases. Increase in awareness of clinicians and laboratories will reduce misdiagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]