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Preterm labour--is Mycoplasma hominis involved?
H J Odendaal1, I Popov, J Schoeman
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, Medical Research Council Perinatal Mortality Research Unit, W Cape.
Summary
Mycoplasma hominis infection in pregnant women is linked to an increased risk of preterm labor and lower birth weights. Early detection and treatment are crucial for better pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Perinatology
Background:
- Preterm labor is a significant concern in obstetric care, with various etiological factors under investigation.
- Mycoplasma hominis is a bacterium that can colonize the lower genital tract and has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Mycoplasma hominis colonization and preterm labor in at-risk pregnant women.
- To determine if M. hominis is linked to other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and perinatal deaths.
Main Methods:
- A cohort analytical study was conducted at a tertiary academic hospital.
- Vaginal and endocervical swabs were collected from primigravidae and multigravidae between 16-26 weeks gestation.
- Pregnancy outcomes were compared between women with and without M. hominis cultures.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma hominis was detected in 21% of pregnant women.
- Mothers with M. hominis had significantly higher rates of preterm delivery (40% vs. 28%) and lower birth weights (2,669g vs. 2,864g).
- M. hominis-positive mothers also showed higher prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and bacterial vaginosis.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma hominis colonization is significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.
- The presence of M. hominis correlates with other genital tract infections, suggesting a polymicrobial contribution to preterm labor.
