Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

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

Published on: November 20, 2015

Ureaplasma infection and neonatal lung disease

Robert L Schelonka1, Ken B Waites

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. rschelonka@peds.uab.edu

Seminars in Perinatology
|February 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma infection in premature infants can cause lung inflammation and increase the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). More research is needed to see if antibiotics can prevent BPD and improve infant outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Ureaplasma infection is common in premature infants, potentially acquired in utero or during birth.
  • In susceptible infants, Ureaplasma triggers lung inflammation, elevating the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the current evidence regarding antibiotic treatment for Ureaplasma in premature infants.
  • To identify the need for further clinical trials on the impact of Ureaplasma treatment on BPD and its associated conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical trial data on Ureaplasma treatment in premature infants.
  • Assessment of the link between Ureaplasma infection, inflammation, and BPD development.

Main Results:

  • Current clinical trial evidence is insufficient to determine the effect of antibiotic treatment on BPD.
  • A clear association exists between Ureaplasma infection, pro-inflammatory responses, and increased BPD risk.

Conclusions:

  • More high-quality, adequately powered clinical trials are essential.
  • Future research should investigate if treating Ureaplasma infection reduces lung inflammation, lowers BPD rates, and improves long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants.

More Related Videos

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

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

Published on: October 10, 2025

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
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,...