Prematurity is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intrauterine
infection has emerged as a major cause of premature labor and delivery. It has been
estimated that 25% of all preterm deliveries occur to mothers who have microbial invasion of
the amniotic cavity, although these infections are mostly subclinical in nature. This article
describes the pathways leading to intrauterine infection, microbiology, frequency and clinical
consequences of infection. The pathophysiology of the fetal inflammatory response …