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A Comparative Longitudinal Study Analyzing Vaginal Microbiota Differences Between Term and Preterm Pregnancies in
Gina Nam1, Kyung A Lee2, Soo Jung Kim2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06973, Republic of Korea.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|April 26, 2025
Summary
A stable, Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiome is linked to term birth. Increased microbial diversity in preterm birth (PTB) cases suggests potential biomarkers for early PTB risk prediction.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Vaginal microbiota (VMB) is implicated in PTB, but research in Korean women is limited.
- Understanding VMB in relation to PTB is crucial for improving maternal and infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze VMB differences between term and preterm pregnancies in Korean women.
- To investigate the correlation between VMB composition and cervical length (CL).
- To identify potential microbial biomarkers for early PTB risk prediction.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 pregnant Korean women (40 term birth, 20 preterm birth) was studied.
- Vaginal samples were collected longitudinally throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
- Quantitative PCR was used to analyze VMB composition, and CL was measured.
Main Results:
- Term birth pregnancies showed a dominant Lactobacillus crispatus microbiome.
- Preterm birth pregnancies exhibited higher microbial diversity with increased Prevotella salivae and Ureaplasma species.
- Shorter cervical length in PTB cases correlated with altered VMB composition.
Conclusions:
- A stable, Lactobacillus-dominant VMB appears protective against PTB.
- Increased VMB diversity in PTB cases may serve as an early risk indicator.
- Combined VMB profiling and CL measurement could enhance non-invasive PTB risk assessment.
