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Infections with mycoplasma and bacteria in induced midtrimester abortion and fetal loss
Abstract:
Placentas and fetuses from cases of induced midtrimester abortion and fetal loss (13 weeks of pregnancy or more) were examined microbiologically. In the series of midtrimester fetal loss, bacteria were isolated in 14 per cent and genital Mycoplasma in 37 per cent of the placentas. In induced abortion, 18 per cent of the placentas grew bacteria and in only one case out of 27 was a Mycoplasma strain isolated. Fetal organs yielded cultures positive for bacteria in 16 per cent and for genital Mycoplasma in 23 per cent of the spontaneous fetal loss material, whereas pyogenic cocci were isolated from fetal organs in 18 per cent and Mycoplasma in no case of induced abortion. In the positive cases, the fetal lungs were most often infected (in 34 out of 37 positive cases of spontaneous and 4 out of 5 positive cases of induced abortion). On the other hand, microorganisms could be isolated from the brain in only 5 out of 28 cases of spontaneous and none of induced abortion. In the series of fetal loss, positive microbiologic findings from the fetal organs seemed correlated to prolonged bleeding before abortion or labor and to premature rupture of membranes.
Insights
Microbial infections, including bacteria and genital Mycoplasma, are frequently found in placentas and fetal organs during midtrimester pregnancy loss. These infections, particularly in fetal lungs, correlate with prolonged bleeding and premature membrane rupture.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics
- Perinatology
Background:
- Microbial presence in placentas and fetuses can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Understanding the prevalence and types of microorganisms is crucial for managing midtrimester pregnancy loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological findings in placentas and fetuses from midtrimester induced abortions and spontaneous fetal losses.
- To determine the correlation between microbial isolation and clinical factors like prolonged bleeding or premature rupture of membranes.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological examination of placentas and fetal organs.
- Culture techniques for isolating bacteria and genital Mycoplasma.
- Analysis of infection sites within fetal organs.
Main Results:
- Bacteria and genital Mycoplasma were frequently isolated from placentas in spontaneous fetal loss (14% and 37%, respectively) and induced abortions (18% and 3.7%, respectively).
- Fetal organs showed bacterial (16%) and genital Mycoplasma (23%) positivity in spontaneous loss, with lungs being the most common infection site (34/37 cases).
- Microbial findings in fetal organs correlated with prolonged bleeding and premature rupture of membranes in fetal loss cases.
Conclusions:
- Microbial infections are common in midtrimester pregnancy loss, affecting both placentas and fetal organs.
- Genital Mycoplasma is a significant finding in spontaneous midtrimester fetal loss.
- Clinical indicators such as prolonged bleeding and premature rupture of membranes are associated with positive microbiological findings.