In an attempt to elucidate the potential association between genital infections and low birth weight (LBW) births, 51 women with LBW neonates were identified and compared to 51 women with normal birthweight (NBW) neonates. Both groups were matched according to age and parity. All women were subjected to interviews regarding socioeconomic background and obstetric history. They were examined clinically and tested regarding serum haemoglobin, malaria parasitaemia, syphilis and HIV serology. Cultures were taken from the vagina, endocervix, amniotic fluid and from various sites of newborn, including the conjunctivae and the stomach and from the interior of the placenta. Whilst socioeconomic background factors did not differ among cases and referents, previous neonatal death did. Significant differences were also found in mid-upper-arm circumference (OR 3.08) and body mass index (OR 6.00). The prevalence of alleged risk factors according to the antenatal card was similar among cases and referents. Birthweight