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Published on: February 16, 2024
Oral Microbiome and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Brittany Dodson1, Talia Suner1, Emilie L Vander Haar1
1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Summary
Intrauterine infections, often involving oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum, are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation caused by these infections.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Intrauterine infection is a significant factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and stillbirth.
- Advances in culture-independent microbial detection have expanded understanding of intrauterine infections.
- Growing evidence implicates oral bacteria, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, in poor pregnancy results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review oral bacteria identified in the intrauterine cavity.
- To discuss the dissemination routes and consequences of these bacteria.
- To explore the potential of omega-3 fatty acids in managing microbial-induced placental inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on intrauterine infections and oral bacteria.
- Analysis of microbial detection technologies.
- Synthesis of evidence on bacterial dissemination and effects.
- Review of research on omega-3 fatty acids in placental inflammation.
Main Results:
- Oral bacteria are frequently detected in the intrauterine cavity.
- Fusobacterium nucleatum is a key implicated oral bacterium.
- Specific routes of bacterial dissemination to the uterus are identified.
- Microbial presence contributes to placental inflammation and adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Oral bacteria play a critical role in intrauterine infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Understanding bacterial dissemination is crucial for prevention and treatment.
- Omega-3 fatty acids show promise in mitigating placental inflammation.
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