Anatomy and Pathology of the Placenta 2 Flashcards
Compare and contrast the features of ascending and hematogenous infection in the placenta and fetal membranes.
1
Q
Discuss the types of ascending (transcervical) placental infections.
A
- Most common route of intrauterine infection
- Ascending infection usually bacterial and results in amniotic fluid infection
- Infection leads to chorioamnionitis and funisitis
- acute inflammatory responses of maternal and fetal origin, respectively
- Inflammatory response can lead to rupture of membranes and/or premature onset of labor
2
Q
What are the common infectious agents that cause ascending infections?
A
-
Bacterial (most common)
- Group B strep
- E. Coli
- Enterococcus
- Ureaplasma
-
Occasionally
- Candida
- Herpes
3
Q
What are common causes of hematogenous placental infections?
A
- Much less common than ascending infections
-
Common causes:
-
Viruses
- Cytomegalovirus
- Rubella
-
Bacteria
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Listeria
- Toxoplasmosis
-
Viruses
4
Q
What is a common finding of Candida infections?
A
Inflammatory abscesses at the periphery of the umbilical chord.