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Maternal gonococcal infection as a preventable risk factor for low birth weight
B Elliott1, R C Brunham, M Laga
1Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is linked to preterm birth, increasing risks significantly. Early detection and treatment of this sexually transmitted infection (STI) can prevent a substantial number of premature births.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Prematurity is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are potential risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The association between specific STDs and prematurity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific STDs are associated with prematurity (birth weight ≤ 2500 g, gestational age ≤ 36 weeks).
- To evaluate the role of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other infections in preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Women were evaluated for serologic evidence of syphilis and HIV.
- Microbiologic evidence of cervical infections (N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Haemophilus spp.), vaginal infections (genital mycoplasma, S. agalactiae, Enterobacteriaceae), and bacterial vaginosis was assessed.
Main Results:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection was significantly associated with preterm birth (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-7.2).
- Four percent of controls and 11% of cases had N. gonorrhoeae infection.
- The attributable risk of gonococcal infection for preterm birth was 14%.
- Other evaluated STDs were not associated with preterm birth.
Conclusions:
- Gonococcal infection is a significant risk factor for preterm birth.
- Antenatal screening and treatment for N. gonorrhoeae can potentially reduce the incidence of premature births.
- Public health strategies should focus on preventing and treating gonococcal infections during pregnancy.