Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

Infection and prematurity and the role of preventive strategies

Roberto Romero1, Jimmy Espinoza, Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa

  • 1Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Seminars in Neonatology : SN
|October 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Infection plays a key role in spontaneous premature birth. This review examines the evidence linking intrauterine infection and urogenital tract infections to preterm birth and discusses antibiotic treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous premature parturition is a significant concern in obstetrics.
  • Intrauterine infections are increasingly recognized as a major contributor to preterm birth.
  • Understanding the microbiology and pathways of infection is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review the causal link between infection and premature birth.
  • To examine the role of ascending intrauterine infection and urogenital tract infections in preterm birth.
  • To evaluate the impact of antibiotic administration on perinatal outcomes in various pregnancy complications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis of existing evidence.
  • Examination of microbiological data on intra-amniotic infections.
  • Assessment of studies on urogenital tract colonization and preterm birth risk.
  • Evaluation of clinical trials on antibiotic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a causal relationship between intrauterine infection and preterm birth.
  • Urogenital tract infections and colonization are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
  • Antibiotic administration shows variable effects on perinatal outcomes depending on the specific condition.

Conclusions:

  • Infection is a significant factor in spontaneous preterm birth.
  • Targeted antibiotic therapy can improve perinatal outcomes in select cases of infection-associated preterm birth.
  • Further research is needed to optimize antibiotic strategies for preventing and managing infection-related preterm delivery.

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Standard Precaution01:26

Standard Precaution

Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment01:25

Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment

Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...