AAMI Microbiology for Embalmers Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Puerperal sepsis is a postpartum infection that typically results from bacteria entering the uterus during delivery. The strongest evidence points to direct introduction of pathogens through contaminated hands or obstetric instruments, which breach the sterile barrier and seed the uterine cavity. This iatrogenic route explains why meticulous hand hygiene and sterile technique around delivery are crucial for preventing the infection.

Airborne spread is not a common route for establishing uterine infection during childbirth, ingestion leads to gastrointestinal issues rather than a postpartum uterine infection, and while genital tract flora can be involved, the classic mechanism for puerperal sepsis centers on contamination from hands or instruments rather than endogenous ascent alone.