Fetal death from chlamydial infection across intact amniotic membranes.

We report a case of a fetal death at 34 weeks' gestation with intact membranes. An autopsy confirmed intrauterine pneumonia as a result of Chlamydia trachomatis. Staining of the lung tissue with a direct fluorescein-conjugated Chlamydia-specific monoclonal antibody assay revealed a pattern typical of a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. This case supports the thesis that Chlamydia crosses fetal membranes and produces disease.