Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

14.4K

Antenatal Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections to Reduce Preterm Birth or Low Birthweight (Philani Ndiphile

Andrew Medina-Marino1, Chibuzor M Babalola2, Mandisa M Mdingi3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Antenatal screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis did not improve overall birth outcomes. However, two-time screening significantly reduced preterm births in pregnant women.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including *Chlamydia trachomatis*, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, and *Trichomonas vaginalis* are linked to adverse birth outcomes.
  • Most STIs during pregnancy are asymptomatic, complicating detection and management.
  • The efficacy of antenatal STI screening in improving maternal and infant health remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of one-time versus two-time antenatal screening and treatment for common STIs on adverse birth outcomes.
  • To compare these screening strategies against standard syndromic management in pregnant women.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving pregnant women in South Africa was conducted.
  • Participants were assigned to one-time screening, two-time screening, or standard-of-care (syndromic management).
  • The primary outcome was a composite of preterm birth or low birthweight; secondary outcomes included individual components.

Main Results:

  • Neither one-time nor two-time antenatal STI screening reduced the composite outcome of preterm birth or low birthweight.
  • The two-time screening strategy showed a significant reduction in preterm birth (14.5% vs. 18.8% in standard care).
  • No significant difference was observed in low birthweight rates across the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Routine antenatal screening for *Chlamydia trachomatis*, *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, and *Trichomonas vaginalis* did not improve the composite adverse birth outcome.
  • A two-time screening approach demonstrated a potential benefit by reducing the incidence of preterm birth.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

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

Published on: October 10, 2025

735
Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy on a Semiconductor Based Next-Generation Sequencing Platform09:30

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy on a Semiconductor Based Next-Generation Sequencing Platform

Published on: August 17, 2022

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
2.0K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Preventive Healthcare Services01:30

Preventive Healthcare Services

Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
2.3K
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
6.3K