CANDIDA-GLABRATA CHORIOAMNIONITIS FOLLOWING IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO-TRANSFER

Candida glabrata is a yeast which is considered to be a commensal of t he vagina with limited pathogenicity in the immunocompetent host. We r eport 2 cases of severe chorioamnionitis occurring in pregnancies achi eved by in vitro fertilization techniques which resulted in preterm de livery and pregnancy loss. Candida glabrata as the causative agent was probably introduced into the uterus by the cannula at the time of emb ryo transfer. It is recommended that appropriate investigation of the microbial flora of the cervix be undertaken and treatment instituted p rior to embryo transfer in order to prevent this complication.