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Ahmadi A, Khadem Erfan MB, Roshani D, Derakhshan S, Ramazanzadeh R, Farhadifar F, Mohsenpour B, Shahgheibi S, Zarei M, Salimizand H, Nikkhoo B. The role of bacterial genital infections in spontaneous preterm delivery: a case-control study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1348472. [PMID: 38957796 PMCID: PMC11217473 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1348472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spontaneous preterm delivery is defined as the beginning of the birth process before the 37th week of pregnancy. The presence of microorganisms in the fetal membranes is accompanied by an increase in the production of prostaglandin, one of the important factors associated with the prevalence of preterm birth. The invasion of microorganisms leads to the production of protease, coagulase, and elastase, which directly stimulate the onset of childbirth. We investigated the role of genital infections in women with preterm birth. Methods The present case-control study was conducted in the west of Iran on 100 women with spontaneous preterm delivery (following 24 weeks of gestation and before 36 weeks and 6 days) as the case group and 100 women with normal delivery as controls. A questionnaire was applied to collect the data. Polymerase chain reaction and pathological examination of the placenta were performed. Results The average age in women with normal delivery (30.92 ± 5.10) in women with spontaneous preterm delivery (30.27 ± 4.93). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections was zero in both groups. The highest prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis was 19 (19%) in the case group and Ureaplasma parvum 15 (15%) in the control group. Also, Placental inflammation was zero in controls and 7(7%) in the patient group. There was a significant relationship between Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria and spontaneous preterm delivery. Conclusion The results of our study showed that except for Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, there is no significant relationship between the above bacterial infections and spontaneous preterm birth. Moreover, despite the significant reduction in the prevalence of many sexually transmitted infections in this research, it is still suggested to increase the awareness of people, including pregnant women, about the ways it can be transmitted by gynecologists and health and treatment centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Ahmadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Khadem Erfan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Daem Roshani
- Health Metrics and Evaluation Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Safoura Derakhshan
- Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Rashid Ramazanzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Fariba Farhadifar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Behzad Mohsenpour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sholeh Shahgheibi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh Zarei
- Deputy of research and technology, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Himen Salimizand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikkhoo
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Soyer Caliskan C, Yurtcu N, Celik S, Sezer O, Kilic SS, Cetin A. Derangements of vaginal and cervical canal microbiota determined with real-time PCR in women with recurrent miscarriages. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2105-2114. [PMID: 35166152 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2033183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Balanced vaginal microbiota and, as a continuum, cervical canal microbiota help prevent reproductive disorders, including recurrent miscarriage (RM). In a significant proportion of couples with RM, routine diagnostic workup cannot find any manageable cause, leading to a requirement for new diagnostic tools. In the present study, we determined the quantitative composition of the microbiota of the vagina and cervical canal, assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, in women with RM. It also evaluated their derangements related to the pathogenesis of RM, and thus the suitability of this test as a diagnostic tool for managing RM. Vaginal and cervical canal specimens of 25 women with RM and 25 healthy volunteers were collected. The test results revealed information about the total vaginal bacterial biomass by measuring the abundance of Lactobacillus spp.; other bacteria; and pathogens, including Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma (urealyticum + parvum), and Candida spp. Overall, the findings of this study implied the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. decreased in women with RM with an increase in the abundance of other microorganisms in accordance with the reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. due to aerobic vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal and cervical canal microbiota need to be considered during the diagnostic workup of women with RM.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a well-known reproductive disorder. Its diagnostic workup is not successful in determining the underlying problem in many cases. Hence, novel diagnostic tools based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are needed for evaluating reproductive microbiota, which are considerably reliable, to satisfy the expectations of women with RM.What do the results of this study add? Overall, the decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was found to be related to RM, and the patterns of the presence of other microorganisms were in accordance with the reduction in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. These findings suggested an important role of vaginal and cervical canal microbiota in the pathogenesis of RM.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Additional research is warranted to elucidate the functional impact of altered components of the microbiota of vaginal and cervical canals on the physiology of the local cervical canal and its participation in the microbiota of the endometrial cavity, especially regarding unsuccessful pregnancies as a result of the disturbed physiology of the local endometrial microenvironment. However, possible applications of real-time PCR-based tests for the screening of subclinical infections in clinical practice require the performance of further investigations in patients with RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Soyer Caliskan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Nazan Yurtcu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Samettin Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Sezer
- Department of Medical Genetics, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Sirri Kilic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Samsun Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ali Cetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
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Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Breaking Down the Barrier: The Role of Cervical Infection and Inflammation in Preterm Birth. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 2:777643. [PMID: 35118439 PMCID: PMC8803751 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.777643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 40% of cases of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) are associated with ascending intrauterine infections. The cervix serves as a physical and immunological gatekeeper, preventing the ascent of microorganisms from the vagina to the amniotic cavity. The cervix undergoes remodeling during pregnancy. It remains firm and closed from the start until the late third trimester of pregnancy and then dilates and effaces to accommodate the passage of the fetus during delivery. Remodeling proceeds appropriately and timely to maintain the pregnancy until term delivery. However, risk factors, such as acute and chronic infection and local inflammation in the cervix, may compromise cervical integrity and result in premature remodeling, predisposing to sPTB. Previous clinical studies have established bacterial (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma, etc.) and viral infections (i.e., herpesviruses and human papillomaviruses) as risk factors of PTB. However, the exact mechanism leading to PTB is still unknown. This review focuses on: (1) the epidemiology of cervical infections in pregnant patients; (2) cellular mechanisms that may explain the association of cervical infections to premature cervical ripening and PTB; (3) endogenous defense mechanisms of the cervix that protect the uterine cavity from infection and inflammation; and (4) potential inflammatory biomarkers associated with cervical infection that can serve as prognostic markers for premature cervical ripening and PTB. This review will provide mechanistic insights on cervical functions to assist in managing cervical infections during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Ramkumar Menon
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Ozaki T, Masuda M, Ikeda M, Ando Y, Sato H, Hirose M. Severe intrauterine adhesions after life-threatening event caused by Epstein-Barr virus-associated atraumatic spleen laceration: Case report. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 48:256-261. [PMID: 34704313 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This is the first known case report of severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA) following a life-threatening event caused by an Epstein-Barr virus-associated atraumatic spleen laceration. A 22-year-old nulligravid female suffered from infectious mononucleosis for approximately 1 month. Sudden severe hypovolemic shock with massive hemoperitoneum appeared and hemostasis was completely achieved by a splenectomy for an atraumatic spleen laceration, although that was followed by multiorgan failure and abdominal compartment syndrome. Complete recovery without any neurological sequelae was achieved by intensive treatment. A postoperative pathological evaluation revealed Epstein-Barr virus-associated splenomegaly. The patient was referred to our department because of secondary amenorrhea for approximately 5 months since the last menstruation, which occurred just prior to the event. Laboratory blood test results demonstrated normal thyroid and ovarian functions. Hysterofiberscopy revealed complete obstruction at the end of the cervical canal, indicating secondary uterine amenorrhea caused by severe IUA. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis with a rigid hysteroscope reached the opening of the uterine cavity and menstruation was restored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ozaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Miho Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Makiko Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ando
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masaya Hirose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan
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Reyes-Lagos JJ, Abarca-Castro EA, Echeverría JC, Mendieta-Zerón H, Vargas-Caraveo A, Pacheco-López G. A Translational Perspective of Maternal Immune Activation by SARS-CoV-2 on the Potential Prenatal Origin of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway. Front Psychol 2021; 12:614451. [PMID: 33868085 PMCID: PMC8044741 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.614451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could produce a maternal immune activation (MIA) via the inflammatory response during gestation that may impair fetal neurodevelopment and lead to postnatal and adulthood mental illness and behavioral dysfunctions. However, so far, limited evidence exists regarding long-term physiological, immunological, and neurodevelopmental modifications produced by the SARS-CoV-2 in the human maternal-fetal binomial and, particularly, in the offspring. Relevant findings derived from epidemiological and preclinical models show that a MIA is indeed linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. We hypothesize that a gestational infection triggered by SARS-CoV-2 increases the risks leading to neurodevelopmental disorders of the newborn, which can affect childhood and the long-term quality of life. In particular, disruption of either the maternal or the fetal cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) could cause or exacerbate the severity of COVID-19 in the maternal-fetal binomial. From a translational perspective, in this paper, we discuss the possible manifestation of a MIA by SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent neurodevelopmental disorders considering the role of the fetal-maternal cytokine cross-talk and the CAP. Specifically, we highlight the urgent need of preclinical studies as well as multicenter and international databanks of maternal-fetal psychophysiological data obtained pre-, during, and post-infection by SARS-CoV-2 from pregnant women and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Alonso Abarca-Castro
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Education (CIME), Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMex), Toluca, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Echeverría
- Basic Sciences and Engineering Division, Campus Iztapalapa, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Hugo Mendieta-Zerón
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMex), Toluca, Mexico
- Health Institute of the State of Mexico (ISEM), “Mónica Pretelini Sáenz” Maternal-Perinatal Hospital, Toluca, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Vargas-Caraveo
- Biological and Health Sciences Division, Campus Lerma, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Lerma, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-López
- Biological and Health Sciences Division, Campus Lerma, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Lerma, Mexico
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Hazenberg P, Navaratnam K, Busuulwa P, Waitt C. Anti-Infective Dosing in Special Populations: Pregnancy. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 109:977-986. [PMID: 33548055 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Substantial anatomical and physiological changes occur during pregnancy and labor, which impact on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Reduced maternal concentrations may have a clinically important impact on the efficacy of anti-infectives for mother, fetus, and neonate, with potential dosing implications. However, there is a paucity of pregnancy-specific data examining this. Existing data on the pharmacokinetics of anti-infectives in pregnancy are summarized and evaluated, with emphasis on agents that are used in treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and common bacterial infections. Limitations and challenges in achieving ideal study designs in pregnant populations are highlighted, and key quality considerations for the generation of the highest quality evidence are outlined. PubMed was searched for each chosen anti-infective. Pharmacokinetic studies which either compared pharmacokinetics from pregnant women against nonpregnant controls, or which assessed concentrations against a known minimum inhibitory concentration were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data from each study and appraised them using the 24-point ClinPK Checklist. The main finding was that there is a lack of published data for anti-infectives in pregnancy, despite their clinical importance. Of the studies identified, only those investigating cobicistat-boosted antiretroviral regimens firmly concluded that these should not be used in pregnancy. Most studies concluded either that further research was needed, or that there were significant pharmacokinetic differences between pregnant and nonpregnant participants which had uncertain clinical significance. Challenges in applying existing quality grading systems to these studies were noted, suggesting a development of a refined system for appraisal of pharmacokinetic studies in "special populations" may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Hazenberg
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kate Navaratnam
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paula Busuulwa
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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