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Br J Ophthalmol 2001;85:228-230 doi:10.1136/bjo.85.2.228
  • Scientific correspondence

Bacterial contamination of amniotic membrane

  1. Philip J Addsa,
  2. Charles Huntb,
  3. Stephen Hartleyc
  1. aDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary Westfield College, London E1 4NS, UK, bNBS Tissue Services London and SE, East Anglia Tissue Bank, Cambridge CB2 2PT, cNational Blood Service, Department of Bacteriology, London NW9 5BG
  1. Philip Adds, The Medical College of St Bartholomew's and the Royal London, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary Westfield College, Mile End, London E1 4NS, UK p.j.adds{at}qmw.ac.uk
  • Accepted 23 August 2000

Abstract

AIM In the light of interest being shown in amniotic membrane grafts for use in ocular surgery, this study aims to identify the bacterial contaminants commonly found on placental membranes from both caesarean and vaginal deliveries.

METHODS Samples of placental membrane were taken following both elective caesarean and normal vaginal deliveries. Bacterial contaminants were identified.

RESULTS All samples were contaminated. A greater number of different species were recovered from the vaginal deliveries, including several which were actually or potentially pathogenic.

CONCLUSION There is a greater risk of contamination from pathogenic bacteria on placentas from vaginal deliveries. It is recommended that amnion for use in ocular surface procedures should be retrieved only from placentas following elective caesarean deliveries.

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