Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2025

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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Maternal Infection and Preterm Birth: From Molecular Basis to Clinical Implications

George Daskalakis1, Alexandros Psarris1, Antonios Koutras1

  • 1First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 'Alexandra' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Infections causing intrauterine inflammation can trigger uterine contractions, leading to spontaneous preterm birth. Identifying and preventing these infections is crucial for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality globally.
  • Intrauterine infection and inflammation are strongly linked to spontaneous preterm birth.
  • Inflammation can lead to prostaglandin overproduction, initiating uterine contractions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze the association between infections and preterm birth.
  • To highlight pathogens implicated in preterm delivery and neonatal complications.
  • To emphasize the need for effective prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing studies.
  • Identification of pathogens associated with preterm birth.
  • Examination of the pathophysiological link between infection and preterm labor.

Main Results:

  • Numerous pathogens, including *Chlamydia trachomatis*, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, and *Streptococcus* spp., are linked to preterm delivery.
  • These infections can result in chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis.
  • Inflammation-induced prostaglandin overproduction is a key mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • Infections play a significant role in spontaneous preterm birth.
  • Targeting infectious agents is essential for preventing preterm delivery.
  • Further research is needed to develop effective preventive measures against preterm birth and its complications.

Keywords:
infectioninflammationprematuritypreterm birth

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