Related Experiment Videos
[Mycoplasmas and pregnancy. Preliminary study]
C Segonds1, D Francoual, B Assemekang
1Hôpital des Diaconesses, Paris.
Abstract:
The prevalence of genital mycoplasmas was studied among 191 pregnant women followed up at Diaconesses Hospital, Paris. Ureaplasma urealyticum was recovered from 65% of patients, alone (54%) or in association with Mycoplasma hominis (11%). The relationship to pregnancy outcome, the effect of erythromycin treatment, the interest of biological markers of infection (mycoplasmal quantitation and serologic tests, C-reactive protein) and the role of other known genital pathogens were investigated. Vaginal infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum according to biological criteria (i.e. vaginal concentration greater than 10(3) CCU/ml or coisolation of Mycoplasma hominis) was significantly associated with an increased risk of: 1. premature rupture of the fetal membranes; 2. prematurity in cases of preterm labor. Erythromycin treatment was able to prevent only the risk of prematurity. On the other hand, we didn't show any influence of mycoplasmal colonization on birth weight, if expressed with regard to gestational age. An immune response to Ureaplasma urealyticum was demonstrated in 15% of patients; rare fourfold antibody rises were detected specially in the case of a second trimester spontaneous abortion and of an intrauterine death (both were untreated patients) and probably attest an infectious process. A randomized trial with a larger study sample must be undertaken to corroborate these preliminary data.
Insights
Genital Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in pregnant women increases risks of premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor. Erythromycin treatment may prevent prematurity, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Context:
- Genital mycoplasma infections are common in pregnant women.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis are prevalent genital pathogens.
- Understanding their impact on pregnancy outcomes is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence of genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women.
- To assess the association between Ureaplasma urealyticum infection and pregnancy outcomes.
- To evaluate the efficacy of erythromycin treatment and biological markers of infection.
Summary:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in 65% of 191 pregnant women, often with Mycoplasma hominis.
- Infection significantly increased the risk of premature rupture of fetal membranes and prematurity.
- Erythromycin treatment showed potential in preventing prematurity.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant risks associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum during pregnancy.
- Suggests potential benefits of erythromycin in mitigating specific adverse outcomes.
- Underscores the need for larger randomized trials to confirm findings and guide clinical practice.