Journals of

  Background and Aim: Studies have shown that probably there are compounds with protective effects on delivery channels and chorionic membranes which prevent the uterus and the embryo from bacterial contamination. The present study aimed to assess anti-bacterial properties of chorionic membranes in comparison with the effects of some common antibiotics .

  Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using chorionic membranes from 24 healthy pregnant women. After spreading plates by individual microbial suspensions of seven species, amniotic membranes and chorioamniotic membranes fragments were put on the plates. Besides, antibiogram disks-as positive control, and the cord tissue-as negative control were used. After 18-24 h incubation, the halo of growth around the membranes and antibiotic disks were studied .

  Results: Significant antibacterial effects were found as halo of lack of bacterial growth around amniotic and chorioamniotic membranes while antibacterial resistance was observed for the same strains in several cases . Most anti-bacterial effects were observed in Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. However, mean of halo of growth inhibition was observed for streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus which was much more around chorioamniotic membranes than the same bacteria around amniotic membranes. Statistical analysis using T-test revealed a signifi9cant difference (p≤0.005). Chorioamniotic membranes are significantly more than that found for amniotic membranes against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus .

  Conclusion: The present study confirms antibacterial effects of chorionic membranes Therefore, the idea of using these membranes as a valuable supplement to antibiotic s in order to expedite the treatment of clinical infections and infected wounds is strongly suggestive .