Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 10, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

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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The Human Ureaplasma Species as Causative Agents of Chorioamnionitis

Emma L Sweeney1, Samantha J Dando2, Suhas G Kallapur3

  • 1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|December 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma species, often found in pregnancy complications, are confirmed pathogens, not bystanders. Their virulence factors, like MBA, may explain why only some infected women experience adverse outcomes such such as preterm birth.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ureaplasma species are frequently isolated from amniotic fluid and placentae in preterm deliveries.
  • Their causative role in pregnancy diseases like chorioamnionitis remains debated, as not all infected women develop complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence associating Ureaplasma species with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • To discuss Ureaplasma virulence factors, particularly the multiple-banded antigen (MBA), and their role in disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Ureaplasma species in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of proposed virulence factors and their impact on host immune response.

Main Results:

  • Ureaplasma species are consistently associated with chorioamnionitis across all gestational ages.
  • The multiple-banded antigen (MBA) is a key factor potentially modulating host immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Ureaplasma species are significant pathogens in pregnancy, not merely "innocent bystanders".
  • Understanding virulence factors like MBA is crucial for explaining differential susceptibility to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Keywords:
Ureaplasmaamniotic fluidchorioamnionitismultiple-banded antigenneonate/fetuspregnancyvirulence factors

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