Anatomy and Pathology of the Placenta 2

Question 1

Discuss the types of ascending (transcervical) placental infections.

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

What are the common infectious agents that cause ascending infections?

Answer 2

• Bacterial (most common)
  
  • Group B strep
  • E. Coli
  • Enterococcus
  • Ureaplasma
• Occasionally
  
  • Candida
  • Herpes

Question 3

What are common causes of hematogenous placental infections?

Answer 3

• Much less common than ascending infections
• Common causes:
  
  • Viruses
    
    • Cytomegalovirus
    • Rubella
  • Bacteria
    
    • Syphilis
    • Tuberculosis
    • Listeria
  • Toxoplasmosis

Question 4

What is a common finding of Candida infections?

Answer 4

Inflammatory abscesses at the periphery of the umbilical chord.