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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:11
In Vitro Apical-Out Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: June 8, 2022
Necrotizing enterocolitis is associated with ureaplasma colonization in preterm infants.
Adora C Okogbule-Wonodi1, George W Gross, Chen-Chih J Sun
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
Pediatric Research
|January 25, 2011
Summary
Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization in preterm infants is linked to a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This bacterial presence may contribute to NEC development through immune responses or intestinal injury.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition affecting preterm infants.
- The role of Ureaplasma in the pathogenesis of NEC remains under investigation.
- Early-life respiratory tract colonization is a potential risk factor for neonatal morbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization and the incidence of NEC in preterm infants (<33 weeks gestation).
- To explore the relationship between Ureaplasma colonization, inflammatory markers, and NEC development.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 368 preterm infants (<33 weeks gestation) with tracheal or nasopharyngeal aspirates collected in the first week of life.
- Ureaplasma detection via culture and PCR.
- NEC diagnosis based on radiological criteria (Bell stage ≥ 2).
- Analysis of cord serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels and placental histology for chorioamnionitis in a subset of infants.
Main Results:
- The incidence of NEC was significantly higher in Ureaplasma-positive infants (12.3%) compared to Ureaplasma-negative infants (5.5%) (OR, 2.43; p=0.023).
- The association was more pronounced in infants ≤ 28 weeks gestation, with a 3.3-fold higher NEC incidence in Ureaplasma-positive infants (14.6% vs 4.4%; OR, 3.67; p=0.01).
- NEC severity and onset parameters were similar between groups, but Ureaplasma-positive NEC infants had higher cord serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels.
Conclusions:
- Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization is an independent risk factor for NEC in preterm infants.
- Ureaplasma may contribute to NEC pathogenesis by inducing intestinal mucosal injury or modulating immune responses.
- Early detection and potential intervention for Ureaplasma colonization could be crucial for preventing NEC in vulnerable preterm populations.
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