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Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

Genitourinary pathogens and preterm birth.

Marianne Cunnington¹, Christini Kortsalioudaki, Paul Heath

¹Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Frimley Park, Surrey, UK. marianne.cunnington@novartis.com

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases

|April 25, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Screening pregnant individuals for genitourinary infections can reduce preterm birth. However, current guidelines are inconsistent, necessitating more research on optimal screening timing and specific infections like Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

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Published on: November 16, 2016

Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Infectious Diseases
Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

Genitourinary tract infections (GITIs) are a significant concern during pregnancy.
The association between GITIs and preterm birth is complex and requires further elucidation.
Current antenatal screening guidelines vary regarding the detection and management of various infections.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe and quantify the association between genitourinary tract infections and preterm birth.
To review current evidence on screening and treatment of GITIs in pregnancy.
To identify gaps in knowledge and guide future research directions.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of recent studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Analysis of current antenatal screening guidelines.
Evaluation of diagnostic methods and timing of screening for various genital infections.

Main Results:

Asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria screening and treatment are recommended.
Routine screening for bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, and gonorrhea is not consistently recommended due to inconsistent evidence.
Screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) late in pregnancy reduces neonatal disease, but evidence for early screening's impact on preterm birth is limited.

Conclusions:

Some RCTs demonstrate the potential of GITI screening and treatment to reduce preterm birth.
Inconsistencies in evidence hinder the reflection of these findings in current guidelines.
Robust RCTs are needed to confirm earlier findings, determine optimal screening timing, and quantify the contribution of individual infections to preterm birth.