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Updated: Mar 21, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
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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

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Association between maternal genital mycoplasma colonization and histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm births

K M Stirling1, N Hussain2, M M Sanders3

  • 1Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.

Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
|May 21, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Genital mycoplasmas (GMs) colonization is linked to increased inflammation in fetal membranes but decreased inflammation in the chorionic plate, impacting preterm birth risk.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Microbiology
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Genital mycoplasmas (GMs) are often considered low-virulence commensals.
  • However, GMs have been implicated in chorioamnionitis and preterm birth.
  • Their precise role in placental inflammation requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cervical genital mycoplasma colonization and histologic chorioamnionitis.
  • To determine if this association is independent of other bacterial infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study comparing preterm delivery patients with and without cervical GM colonization.
  • Analysis included placental cultures for bacteria other than GMs.
  • Histologic grading of placental inflammation was compared across four groups based on GM and bacterial culture results.

Main Results:

  • Genital mycoplasma-positive patients showed lower rates of other bacterial placental infections compared to GM-negative patients.
  • Patients with GM colonization exhibited increased inflammation of the fetal membranes.
  • A significant decrease in chorionic plate inflammation was observed in GM-positive individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Cervical genital mycoplasma colonization is independently associated with increased membrane inflammation.
  • GM colonization correlates with decreased inflammation in the chorionic plate.
  • These findings suggest a complex role for GMs in the inflammatory processes leading to preterm birth.
Keywords:
ChorioamnionitisMycoplasma hominisUreaplasma urealyticumgenital mycoplasmaplacental inflammationprematurity

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