Ahlfeld (Cent. f. Gyn., No. 52,) shows that it is not always safe to
presume upon the impossibility of self-infection, and reports two cases
in point. In rare cases infection may arise from organisms primarily
present in the genitalia. [This goes to fortify Auvard’s position.]
OCCURRENCE OF GERMS IN THE DISCHARGES FROM THE UTERUS AND VAGINA DURING
THE PUERPERAL PERIOD.
Döderlein (Arch. f. Gyn., B. xxxi., H. 3,) finds in a series of
carefully conducted observations, that in normal cases the uterine
discharges contain no germs, while in the same patients numerous
varieties of germ life abound in the vagina. Pathogenic organisms may
occur in the vagina apart from any internal examination. These germs may
gain access to the uterus of themselves when not carried by
intra-uterine instrumentation or manipulation. These conclusions are
confirmed by Kaltenbach.
The uterine lochia of women suffering from puerperal sepsis in any form
invariably contain germs, the streptococcus pyogenes being constantly
present.