[Placental microbiota and pregnancy]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Host-microbe and microbial-microbe interactions are fundamental to human health.
• The existence and role of placental microbiota in pregnancy remain debated.
• Potential implantation routes include urogenital, gastrointestinal, and oral pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the controversial role of placental microbiota in pregnancy.
• To explore the association between placental microbes and pregnancy outcomes.
• To identify factors influencing placental microbiology during gestation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized both cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent study methods.
• Analyzed the link between placental and amniotic fluid microbes and adverse pregnancy events.
• Examined the impact of maternal factors on placental microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• Placental microbes are implicated in various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
• The composition of placental microbiota may differ between benign and pathological pregnancies.
• Maternal obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus, probiotic use, and antibiotic use are key factors influencing placental microbiology.

Conclusions:

• Placental microbiota may play a significant role in regulating pregnancy outcomes.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of placental microbiota implantation and function.
• Understanding placental microbiology is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health.