ABSTRACT
The possibility that infection can cause premature labor is appealing. If true, antibiotics
treat the cause, in contrast to tocolytic agents, which treat symptoms. There is strong
evidence that infection is a factor in premature labor. Historical data from the preantibiotic
era in patients with pyelonephritis and pneumonia support this. Vaginal bacterial
colonization studies and amniotic fluid studies indicate that a portion of women with
preterm labor have an identifiable microbiologic profile. Preliminary reports on antibiotic
intervention in asymptomatic women and women in premature labor are encouraging. This
may be the dawn of a new era in the diagnosis and treatment of preterm labor.
