(Fig 1, left). The bilirubin level was 24.0 mg/100 ml, but the Coombs' antiglobulin test was negative. In the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the level of protein was 210 mg/100 ml. Gram stain of the CSF sediment revealed gram-negative spirochetes and numerous leuko¬ cytes. Despite supportive therapy, the infant died 39 hours after birth.The mother (para 1, grávida 2), a 22-year-old white resi¬ dent of Deschutes County, Oregon, had been completely well until three weeks prior to delivery of the infant. At thai time a low-grade fever developed which was thought to be due to infections of the upper respiratory tract and urinary 1. Bor relia spirochetes in peripheral-blood smear of in¬ fant (/eft) and mother (right) (Wright's stain, x 1,000).

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