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Identification of a gene in Mycoplasma hominis associated with preterm birth and microbial burden in intraamniotic
Matthew Josiah Allen-Daniels1, Myrna G Serrano2, Lindsey P Pflugner1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
Objective:
Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is associated with spontaneous preterm labor and adverse pregnancy outcome, and Mycoplasma hominis often is present. However, the pathogenic process by which M hominis invades the amniotic cavity and gestational tissues, often resulting in chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, remains unknown. We hypothesized that strains of M hominis vary genetically with regards to their potential to invade and colonize the amniotic cavity and placenta.
Study Design:
We sequenced the entire genomes of 2 amniotic fluid isolates and a placental isolate of M hominis from pregnancies that resulted in preterm births and compared them with the previously sequenced genome of the type strain PG21. We identified genes that were specific to the amniotic fluid/placental isolates. We then determined the microbial burden and the presence of these genes in another set of subjects from whom samples of amniotic fluid had been collected and were positive for M hominis.
Results:
We identified 2 genes that encode surface-located membrane proteins (Lmp1 and Lmp-like) in the sequenced amniotic fluid/placental isolates that were truncated severely in PG21. We also identified, for the first time, a microbial gene of unknown function that is referred to in this study as gene of interest C that was associated significantly with bacterial burden in amniotic fluid and the risk of preterm delivery in patients with preterm labor.
Conclusion:
A gene in M hominis was identified that is associated significantly with colonization and/or infection of the upper reproductive tract during pregnancy and with preterm birth.
Insights
Researchers identified a specific gene in Mycoplasma hominis that significantly increases the risk of preterm birth. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms behind microbial invasion during pregnancy and its adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, often involving Mycoplasma hominis, is linked to preterm labor and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- The precise mechanisms by which M. hominis invades gestational tissues and causes chorioamnionitis leading to preterm birth are not fully understood.
- Genetic variation among M. hominis strains may influence their capacity for amniotic cavity and placental colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis for Mycoplasma hominis's ability to invade and colonize the amniotic cavity and placenta.
- To identify specific genes in M. hominis associated with invasive potential and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of M. hominis isolates from amniotic fluid and placenta of preterm birth cases.
- Comparison of sequenced genomes with the M. hominis type strain PG21 to identify unique genes.
- Quantification of microbial burden and detection of specific genes in amniotic fluid samples from women with preterm labor.
Main Results:
- Two genes encoding surface membrane proteins (Lmp1 and Lmp-like) were identified in invasive isolates and found to be truncated in the type strain.
- A novel gene of unknown function, designated gene of interest C, was significantly associated with higher microbial burden in amniotic fluid.
- Gene of interest C was also significantly linked to an increased risk of preterm delivery in patients experiencing preterm labor.
Conclusions:
- A specific gene in M. hominis has been identified that correlates significantly with upper reproductive tract colonization and/or infection during pregnancy.
- This identified gene is strongly associated with the risk of preterm birth, offering a potential target for understanding and preventing pregnancy complications.
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