Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip
08:15

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip

Published on: February 16, 2024

2.9K

Vaginal Microbiome in Preterm Rupture of Membranes

Phillip Robert Bennett1, Richard Gailon Brown2, David Alan MacIntyre3

  • 1Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London W12 0NN, UK; March of Dimes European Prematurity Research Centre, Imperial College London W12 0NN, UK; Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust at Queen Charlotte's Hospital, London, UK.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|October 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, marked by low Lactobacillus levels, is linked to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Antibiotic use can alter the vaginal microbiome, potentially impacting PPROM outcomes and neonatal sepsis risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis is associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
  • Reduced Lactobacillus spp. abundance characterizes PPROM-associated high-risk vaginal microbiota.
  • PPROM and antibiotic therapy significantly alter vaginal microbial composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and PPROM.
  • To understand the impact of antibiotic therapy on vaginal microbiome in PPROM.
  • To investigate the link between vaginal dysbiosis and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of vaginal microbial composition in relation to PPROM.
  • Evaluation of the effects of antibiotic treatment on the vaginal microbiome.
  • Correlation of vaginal microbiota profiles with rates of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis.

Main Results:

  • Decreased Lactobacillus spp. abundance is observed in PPROM.
  • Erythromycin may benefit Lactobacillus-depleted states but can harm healthy microbiomes.
  • Vaginal dysbiosis near delivery is linked to increased chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in PPROM.
  • Antibiotic interventions require careful consideration due to their impact on the vaginal microbiome.
  • Targeting vaginal dysbiosis may be a strategy to reduce PPROM complications and neonatal infections.
Keywords:
InflammationMembranesPPROMPreterm birthVaginal microbiome

More Related Videos

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice05:24

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

Published on: October 10, 2025

177
Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria08:53

Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria

Published on: May 25, 2022

4.3K

Related Concept Videos

Vagina01:26

Vagina

The vaginal canal is a tubular structure averaging about 10 cm in length that acts as the entryway to the female reproductive system and the passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth. The interior walls of the vagina exhibit concentric folds called rugae and are topped by an area known as the fornix, which connects with the protruding cervical portion of the uterus. This canal is comprised of an external fibrous layer, a muscular middle layer, and an inner lining with mucosal rugae, which...
19.9K
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.2K
Bacterial Phylum Verrucomicrobiota01:26

Bacterial Phylum Verrucomicrobiota

The phylum Verrucomicrobiota comprises at least four characterized orders, with most species classified within the order Verrucomicrobiotales. Members of this phylum are either aerobic or facultatively aerobic, with the ability to ferment sugars. A notable exception is the genus Methylacidiphilum, which consists of aerobic methanotrophs. Additionally, some Verrucomicrobiota establish symbiotic relationships with protists. These bacteria are widely distributed across various environments,...
326
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
85.9K
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.1K
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine01:29

Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine

The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
1.0K