Ignác Semmelweis and the etiology of fetal and neonatal sepsis
Raju, T.N.; Semmelweis, I.
Journal of perinatology official journal of the California Perinatal Association 19(4): 307-310
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0743-8346 PMID: 10685244 Document Number: 510789
It is well-known that Ignác Semmelweis discovered the etiology and prophylaxis of puerperal sepsis. However, few historians have focused on his understanding of the pathophysiology of fetal and neonatal sepsis. Based on several key observations, Semmelweis realized that puerperal fever (also known as "childbed fever") could be transmitted to the fetus, especially when the first stage of labor was prolonged and multiple examiners performed vaginal examinations while their fingers were contaminated. This insight was particularly valuable in that it helped him decipher the mystery of puerperal sepsis. This paper presents some of these concepts and supporting evidence.