Occult intraamniotic infection at the time of midtrimester genetic amniocentesis: a reassessment.

Objective: The objective of this study was to reevaluate the incidence of occult early midtrimester intraamniotic infection in asymptomatic patients at the time of genetic amniocentesis.

Methods: A total of 177 amniotic fluid (AF) specimens from patients referred for genetic amniocentesis between 15 and 20 postmenstrual weeks were evaluated for the presence of bacteria by detailed light microscopy, after Gram and Wright stain, and by cultures for aerobic and anaerobic baceria, Mycoplasma sp., and Ureaplasma urealyticum.