Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
[Perinatal transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and its complication in preterm infants]
Karolina Chojnacka1, Jerzy Szczapa, Witold Kedzia
1Klinika Zakazeń Noworodków, Katedra Neonatologii UM im. K. Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu, Polska. chojnaccy@gazeta.pl
Insights
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women leads to a 75% perinatal transmission rate, causing severe respiratory issues in newborns. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is a common STI, posing risks during pregnancy.
- Maternal infection can lead to premature delivery and neonatal complications like pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Purpose:
- To determine the rate of Chlamydia trachomatis perinatal transmission.
- To assess the prevalence of neonatal complications associated with this infection.
Summary:
- A study of 82 mothers and 100 newborns found Chlamydia trachomatis in 10% of mothers and 6 neonates.
- Perinatal transmission occurred in 75% of cases, with all infected infants developing respiratory disorders, including apnea and requiring respiratory support.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant risk of Chlamydia trachomatis transmission from mother to neonate.
- Emphasizes the link between asymptomatic maternal infection and severe, potentially life-threatening respiratory complications in preterm infants.
Introduction:
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common agent of sexually transmitted infections. In pregnant women it can cause premature delivery. In newborns the clinical manifestation are pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to estimate the perinatal transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and the prevalence of neonatal complications.
Material And Methods:
The study included 82 mothers with delivery < 34 weeks of gestation and 100 of their newborns. All patients were hospitalized at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital between 2004 and 2009. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method in AMPLICOR CT/NG test was used for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
Results:
Chlamydia trachomatis was identified in 8 pregnant women among 82 tested patients (10%) and in 6 neonates. Perinatal transmission was 75%. All infected infants developed respiratory disorders. Five of them needed respiratory support such as nCPAP or mechanical ventilation. Three newborns presented apneic spells.
Conclusions:
Asymptomatic chlamydial infection is frequently detected in women with preterm delivery. There is high risk of perinatal transmission of the infection from the mother to the newborn, which leads to perinatal complications such as neonatal pneumonia which in preterm infants can develop just after the delivery and give rise to life-threatening respiratory disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Teratogenicity
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...

