Background Few studies considered that amniotic fluid is sterile but some others mentioned that contains pathogens. Even though not all meconium stained amniotic fluids MSAF develop into neonatal infection, it is mentioned in some studies that MSAF is a risk factor for neonatal infection. Knowledge about the types of pathogens is still limited and pathogens is curiosity.

Objective Determine pathogens contain in MSAF which lead to neonatal infection in newborn with MSAF.

Method Cohort study. Subjects newborns with MSAF delivered in RS. Dr. Kariadi from October 2009 – March 2010 with inclusion criteria. MSAF was determined by KAPPA test (0.74) and contain one of stool metabolite. Group II was babies with clear amniotic fluid. Examination of variables were taken on the first day. Statistical analysis used chi square, Mann whitney, and relative risk (CI 95%).

Result Subjects were 70 babies. Group I: 35 baies and Group II: 35. Babies with MSAF and viscous amniotic fluids have 10 x higher risk to be infected (95%CI=1.3–74.0; p=0,003). Incidence of neonatal infection by Gram staining: Gram (+) has RR 1.4 (95%CI=0.3- –6.8; p=0.6) and incidence of both Gram (+) and Gram (-) has RR 2.4 (95%CI=0.7–7.7; p=0.2). RR of babies with MSAF containing E coli culture become sepsis was 3.8 (95%CI=0.8–17.0; p=0,057) and non E coli culture was 2.4 (95%CI=0.4–13.1; p=0.4.

Conclusion E coli was the prominent pathogen in babies with MSAF but not a risk factor. MSAF is the risk factor for neonatal infection.