Puerperal sepsis is infection of the genital tract after childbirth (puerperium being defined as the state or time of confinement after labour). Undiagnosed or untreated, this condition is still a major cause of maternal death. The bacteria responsible for the majority of cases of puerperal infection are either staphylococci for example S.aureus, for which there is concern over resistance to antibiotics, or streptococci, particularly the group A streptococcus, S.pyogenes. Click here for further information on puerperal sepsis caused by group A streptococcus.
Click here to view the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists study group recommendations Infection and pregnancy.