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Detection of ureaplasma DNA in endotracheal samples is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after adjustment

Tarah T Colaizy1, Cynthia D Morris, Jodi Lapidus

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52241, USA.

Pediatric Research
|April 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma, but not adenovirus or Chlamydia, significantly increased the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This finding highlights Ureaplasma as a key pathogen in VLBW infant lung disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
  • The role of microbial colonization in BPD pathogenesis is debated.
  • Ureaplasma sp., adenovirus, and Chlamydia sp. are potential pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between endotracheal colonization with Ureaplasma sp., adenovirus, or Chlamydia sp. and the risk of BPD or death in intubated VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Ureaplasma sp., adenovirus, and Chlamydia sp. in endotracheal aspirates.
  • The study included intubated VLBW infants.
  • Logistic regression analysis controlled for confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Ureaplasma sp. detection was significantly associated with BPD or death (p < 0.001).
  • Adenovirus and Chlamydia sp. detection were not associated with BPD or death (p = 0.52 and p = 0.33, respectively).
  • The odds ratio for Ureaplasma sp. and BPD or death was 4.2 (95% CI 1.03, 17) after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Endotracheal colonization with Ureaplasma sp. is associated with an increased risk of BPD or death in VLBW infants.
  • Adenovirus and Chlamydia sp. colonization were not found to be associated with BPD or death in this population.
  • Ureaplasma sp. may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of lung disease in VLBW infants.

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