Abstract
Amniotic membranes collected after both cesarean and vaginal deliveries were inoculated with group B streptococci (GBS) in this in vitro study. Transmission electron microscopic examination of segments of uninoculated control amniotic membranes revealed compact, wellordered, clearly defined layers of collagen fibrils. Examination by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy of amniotic membrane segments inoculated in vitro with group B streptococci revealed bacterial attachment to the membrane surface and migration through the membrane accompanied by disordered collagen fibril layers. Degradation of the collagen fibrils during bacterial invasion may cause weakening of the amniotic membranes and thus be a contributing factor in cases of premature rupture of membranes associated with group B streptococcal colonization of the mother.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Anthony BF, Okada DM, Hobel CJ (1978) Epidemiology of group BStreptococcus: longitudinal observations during pregnancy. J Infect Dis 137:524–530
Baker CJ, Edwards NS (1990) Group B streptococcal infections. In: Remington JS, Klein JK (eds) Infectious diseases of the fetus and newborn infant, 3rd edn. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, pp 743–811
Galask RP, Varner MW, Petzold CR, Wilbur SL (1984) Bacterial attachment to the chorioamniotic membranes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 148:915–926
Helmig R, Halaburt JT, Uldbjerg N, Thomsen AC, Stenderup A (1990) Increased cell adherence of group B streptococci from preterm infants with neonatal sepsis. Obstet Gynecol 76:825–827
Jones DE, Kanarek KS, Lim DV (1984) Group B streptococcal colonization patterns in mothers and their infants. J Clin Microbiol 20:438–440
Matorras R, Garcia Perea A, Omeñaca F, Usandizaga JA, Nieto A, Herruzo R (1989) Group BStreptococcus and premature rupture of membranes and preterm delivery. Gynecol Obstet Invest 27:14–18
McGregor JA, French JI, Lawellin D, Franco-Buff A, Smith C, Todd JK (1987) Bacterial protease-induced reduction of chorioamniotic membrane strength and elasticity. Obstet Gynecol 69:167–174
Pass MA, Gray BM, Khare S, Dillon, HC Jr (1979) Prospective studies of group B streptococcal infections in infants. J Pediatr 95:437–443
Romero R, Mazor M, Oyarzun E, Sirtori M, Wu YK, Hobbins JC (1989) Is there an association between colonization with group BStreptococcus and prematurity? J Reprod Med 34:797–801
Schoonmaker JN, Lawellin DW, Lunt B, McGregor JA (1989) Bacteria and inflammatory cells reduce chorioamniotic membrane integrity and tensile strength. Obstet Gynecol 74:590–596
Vadillo-Ortega F, González-Avila G, Karchmer S, Cruz NM, Ayala-Ruiz A, Lama MS (1990) Collagen metabolism in premature rupture of amniotic membranes. Obstet Gynecol 75:84–88
Yoshida Y, Manabe Y (1990) Different characteristics of amniotic and cervical collagenous tissue during pregnancy and delivery: a morphologic study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 162:190–193
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jackson, R.J., Gates, K.L., Sheridan, R.J. et al. Degradation of amniotic collagen fibrils by group B streptococci. Current Microbiology 26, 141–145 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577368
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01577368