Poor perinatal outcome associated with maternal infection

Background Reports suggest that perinatal infection with Brucella abortus does not cause poor obstetric outcomes, because of protective mechanisms in the human, not seen in animal species. Case We report a case of maternal brucellosis resulting in preterm labor, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, and delivery of a live-born infant at 25 weeks' gestational age. Both maternal blood cultures and amniotic fluid cultures were positive for B abortus species, and delivery occurred despite aggressive antibiotic and tocolytic therapy. Conclusion Maternal infection with B abortus during pregnancy can lead to significant perinatal morbidity, casting doubt on reports that human pregnancy is resistant to such infection.