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Ureaplasma urealyticum cervical colonization as a marker for pregnancy complications
S Horowitz1, J Horowitz, M Mazor
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
Objectives:
To determine the clinical significance of cervical colonization with (Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and its possible relationship to pregnancy outcome.
Methods:
Cervical cultures for Uu and serum antibodies to Uu were determined in four groups of pregnant women: (1) 117 women who underwent mid-trimester amniocentesis; (2) 47 women with preterm labor and intact membranes; (3) 34 women with preterm premature rupture of membranes; and (4) a control group of 315 healthy women with normal pregnancies. Statistical methods used were the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.
Results:
A significant increase in the cervical colonization rate with Uu was detected in all study groups (62%, 77% and 74%, respectively) when compared with the control group (42%). Women at mid-trimester of pregnancy with a positive cervical culture and high levels of antibodies, had a higher rate of pregnancy complications than those with a negative culture and absence of antibodies (62 vs. 28%, respectively; P = 0.0006).
Conclusion:
Cervical colonization with Uu when associated with elevated titers of antibodies to Uu, may serve as a marker for the identification of a subpopulation of women who are at high risk for the development of pregnancy complications.