Vaginal Microbiota in Women With Spontaneous Preterm Labor Compared to Spontaneous Term Labor: A Cross-Sectional...

Preterm birth is the second leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine if there were differences in the microbiota between women experiencing preterm labor and those with full-term pregnancies. Additionally, we aimed to identify the vaginal microorganisms present and their antibiotic sensitivities in women undergoing spontaneous preterm labor.

Women with a spontaneous onset of labor were recruited for the study. Those with spontaneous term labor were classified as Group A, while those with preterm labor were classified as Group B. Three high vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior fornix using a sterile swab and sent to the Microbiology Department for Gram staining, culture and sensitivity testing, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.

The frequency of vaginal infection is more among women in spontaneous preterm labor than those in spontaneous term labor. Socioeconomic status and women with a previous history of preterm labor were found to be at high risk for preterm labor. The most common organism belongs to Gram-negative bacilli and is sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins.

The study suggests that vaginal infections may increase the risk of preterm labor, with gram-negative bacilli commonly identified and mostly sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins. Routine screening for asymptomatic genital infections in antenatal women is recommended, regardless of preterm labor risk, as early identification and treatment could help prevent preterm labor.