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Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Romina Capoccia1, Gilbert Greub, David Baud

  • 1Materno-fetal and Obstetrics Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|April 17, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization in pregnant women is linked to adverse outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm causality and effective treatments for these common genital tract bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum commonly colonize the female genital tract.
  • These bacteria are implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth and chorioamnionitis.
  • Their presence in normal vaginal flora creates controversy regarding their pathogenic role in pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on the epidemiology and clinical significance of mycoplasmas during pregnancy.
  • To evaluate the association between these bacteria and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • To explore the need for treating mycoplasma colonization in pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent epidemiological and clinical data on Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of observational studies suggesting an association with preterm labor.
  • Discussion of diagnostic methods including PCR and culture with antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

  • Observational studies suggest a link between Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma urealyticum and preterm labor, but causal proof is limited.
  • PCR offers efficient detection, while culture is essential for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
  • The efficacy of antimicrobial treatment in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • The role of Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma urealyticum in adverse pregnancy outcomes is gaining acceptance.
  • Vaginal colonization alone may not be sufficient; co-factors like bacterial vaginosis or cervical incompetence might be necessary for preterm birth.
  • Further research is crucial to establish causality and guide treatment strategies.

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