Number of Total Bacteria by Clinical Group and Membrane Location.

Value shown represents the mean number of bacteria visualized at each membrane location among all subjects within each of the five clinical groups compared with standard errors. At the rupture site, p<0.0001; At the distant site, p<0.003.
PPROM =  Preterm, premature rupture of membranes (subjects between 24 and 34 weeks following confirmation of rupture of membranes by physical exam).
Preterm Labor  =  subjects between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation with spontaneous preterm labor.
Preterm, No Labor  =  subjects between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation delivered preterm without labor exposure.
Term  =  subjects between 37 and 41 weeks with labor.
Term, No Labor  =  subjects between 37 and 41 weeks without exposure to labor.
Rupture  =  sample of membrane collected at site of rupture.
Distant  =  sample of membrane collected from an area distant to rupture site, most commonly near the placenta.