Association between preterm birth and vaginal colonization by mycoplasmas in early pregnancy

A New Real-Time PCR Test (Flora Select™) and Nugent Score for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the performance of Flora select™ (FS), a newly developed real-time PCR test, for the assessment of the vaginal microbiome during early pregnancy. Five hundred and fifty-six pregnant women underwent examinations of FS, Nugent score-a Gram-staining scoring system for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV)-and conventional bacterial culture between 8 weeks and 12 gestational weeks. Nugent scores of 0-3, 4-6, and ≥7 were found in 469 (84.2%), 41 (7.4%), and 47 (8.5%) of the women, respectively. Relative dominance rates of Lactobacillus species of high (≥80% medium (50%≤, <80%), and low (0.1≤, <50%), and no detection (<0.1%) were 63.0%, 8.8%, 17.1%, and 11.2%, respectively. Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium, Streptococcus, Ureaplasma, and Mycoplasma species were detected in 23.9%, 17.6%, 17.1%, 7.0%, 23.0%, and 4.9% of the women, respectively. Gardnerella species were detected in all women with Nugent scores ≥7 and Ureaplasma were detected in 40.4% of them. BV-associated bacterial species were also detected in 70.7% of women with Nugent scores of 4-6. Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium, Streptococcus, Ureaplasma, and Mycoplasma species were highly prevalent in women with Nugent scores ≥4 or Lactobacillus species <50%. FS detected Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Atopobium species more effectively than conventional bacterial culture. FS could determine relative dominance rates of Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome, and simultaneously detect four kinds of BV-associated bacteria, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma species. Therefore, FS may be clinically useful for the screening of the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth and for the assessment of the vaginal microbiome after BV treatments.

Clinical Characteristics and Current Treatment Modality of Preterm Infants with Ureaplasma spp. Infection

BACKGROUND

The impact of and countermeasures for Ureaplasma spp. in neonates remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated perinatal factors that can predict the likelihood of respiratory tract Ureaplasma spp. colonization and analyze the subsequent clinical course of affected infants, thereby providing the rationale for their diagnosis, treatment, and future study.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of infants born at a gestational age (GA) of less than 32 weeks.

RESULTS

The prevalence of respiratory tract Ureaplasma spp. colonization was 25.8% (75/291), and it increased with a decrease in GA and birth weight (BW). Maternal vaginal Ureaplasma spp. colonization increased the risk of neonatal Ureaplasma spp. colonization, with an OR of 7.8 (95% CI: 3.1, 20.0). Infants with Ureaplasma spp. colonization had a higher white blood cell (WBC) count, normal C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and higher failure rate of weaning from mechanical ventilation (30.7% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.014); they also suffered more from interstitial pneumonia (20.0% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (36.0% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.001). Infants receiving anti-Ureaplasma spp. treatment had a lower GA, lower BW, and more severe respiratory syndromes. However, the difference in respiratory manifestation became insignificant after adjusting for GA.

CONCLUSIONS

GA and maternal vaginal Ureaplasma spp. colonization could be used to predict neonatal respiratory tract Ureaplasma spp. colonization. An elevated WBC count combined with normal CRP is a good marker of Ureaplasma spp. colonization/infection. It is conventional practice to start anti-Ureaplasma spp. treatment when infants present with a deteriorated respiratory condition. This practice warrants further investigation considering GA as a predominant intermediate variable.

Prevalence of genital Mycoplasma in pregnancies with shortened cervix

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether colonisation with genital Mycoplasma species (spp.) in patients presenting with a shortened cervix before 34th week of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth.

METHODS

The collection of this retrospective study consisted of 100 pregnant women who presented to a German Tertiary Perinatal Center between 2017 and 2020 due to a shortened cervix defined as a cervical length of 25 mm or shorter measured by transvaginal ultrasound before 34 weeks of gestation. At the time of admission, gestational age ranged from 18 + 4 to 33 + 3 weeks (+ days) of pregnancy. All patients underwent urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genital Mycoplasma [Ureaplasma (U.) urealyticum, U. parvum, M. hominis or M. genitalium]. Patients who were tested positive underwent a therapy with macrolides (azithromycin or clarithromycin).

RESULTS

37% of the patients were positive for Ureaplasma spp., whereas 5% (5 patients) were Mycoplasma spp.-positive. All the latter were simultaneously colonised with Ureaplasma spp. Ureaplasma-positive patients were significantly younger than those who were tested negative. Median maternal age at examination was 30 years (a) versus 31a (p = 0.04). There was no difference between Ureaplasma-positive and -negative patients regarding median maternal body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (23.4 versus 22.3, p = 0.41), cervical length at admission (mm) (15 versus 17, p = 0.17), gestational age at examination (days, d) (198 versus 197, p = 0.97) or gestational age at birth (d) (250 versus 257, p = 0.33), respectively. Comparing U. parvum-positive and U. urealyticum-positive patients, there was some weak indication that U. parvum-positive patients may get a shortening of the cervix earlier in pregnancy, as the median gestational age at examination was 196d versus 215d (p = 0.06). Regarding Mycoplasma-positive and -negative patients, there was no difference in all examined parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, one-third of all women in our study with a shortened cervix before 34th week of pregnancy were colonised with genital Mycoplasma spp. We were able to show that pregnant women, who were treated with antibiotics when tested positive for genital Mycoplasma, gave birth at the same gestational age as patients with a shortened cervix without detected Mycoplasma. This raises the question of whether routine testing and early antibiotic treatment should be established in prenatal care.

The association between non-viral sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy outcome in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review

Introduction

Non-viral sexually transmitted infections are known to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. For these pathogens, standard antenatal screening is not broadly performed in Latin America and the Caribbean. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review the association of non-viral sexually transmitted infections and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women in the region.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Embase, SciELO and LILACS) were examined to identify eligible studies published up to September 2022. English or Spanish cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies assessing the association of non-viral sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Articles were firstly screened by means of title and abstract. Potential articles were fully read and assessed for inclusion according to the eligibility criteria. Snowballing search was performed by screening of bibliographies of the chosen potentially relevant papers. Risk of bias within studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer's manual.

Results

A selection of 10 out of 9772 search records from five Latin America and the Caribbean countries were included. Six studies associated Treponema pallidum infection with preterm birth (1/6), history of previous spontaneous abortion (2/6), fetal and infant death (1/6), low birth weight (1/6) and funisitis of the umbilical cord (1/6). Three studies associated Chlamydia trachomatis infection with preterm birth (2/3), ectopic pregnancy (1/3) and respiratory symptoms on the newborn (1/3). One study associated Mycoplasma genitalium infection with preterm birth.

Conclusion

This review provides evidence on the association of non-viral sexually transmitted infections with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further investigation is needed to establish more associations between non-viral sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy outcome, especially for Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Overall, this review calls for more research for public health interventions to promote screening of non-viral sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy, among high-risk population groups of pregnant women living in the region.

Relationship between Vaginal Bacterial Infections and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Bacterial infections are among the most serious infections worldwide. They can cause miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bacterial infections and pregnancy outcomes through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from January 2000 to December 2018 using appropriate keywords to identify related articles. The final related studies were selected and evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Results of this meta-analysis based on combining case-control studies showed that the presence of bacterial infections could lead increase in the odds of all pregnancy outcomes like premature infant birth (odd ratio [OR]: 1.50; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.39-1.61), preterm delivery (OR: 1.54; 95% CI, 1.39-1.70), abortion (OR: 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.29), stillbirth (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12-1.49), and ectopic pregnancy (OR: 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05--1.19). The results showed that the Risk Ratio (RR) of preterm delivery in pregnant women with vaginal infections was 1.57 (95% CI, 1.46-1.67), whereas the RR of abortion was 2.02 (95% CI, 1.72-2.38).

Conclusions

Based on the results of this meta-analysis, the presence of bacterial infections in pregnant women can lead increase in the risk of pregnancy outcomes especially, preterm delivery, abortion, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary for obstetricians and gynecologists to pay attention to the diagnosis of these infections in women before pregnancy and during pregnancy in order to prevent the consequences of these infections.

Efficacy of emergency cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies and factors affecting the clinical effects of emergency cerclage

OBJECTIVES

To estimate clinical effects of emergency cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with cervical dilation ≥1.0 cm in mid-trimester of gestation and to identify risk factors after cerclage.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 99 twin pregnancies with cervical dilation ≥1cm in the mid-trimester of gestation at three institutions, from December 2015 through December 2021. The cases were treated with emergency cervical cerclage (52 cases) or expectant management (47 cases). Compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors associated with cerclage.

RESULTS

Cerclage placement was associated with significantly longer gestation age and prolongation of the gestational latency (p < .05). In the cases, compared to expectant treatments, spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) at <26, <28, <30, <32 weeks was significantly less frequent (p < .05). Pre-operation WBC > 11.55 × 10⁹/L, CRP > 10.1 and cervical dilation >3.5 cm were found to be independent risk factors for delivery 28 weeks after cerclage.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical cerclage in twin pregnancies with cervical dilation ≥1.0 cm in mid-trimester of gestation may prolong pregnancy and gestation age, and improve pregnancy and neonatal outcomes compared with expectant management. The strongest predictor of sPTB before 28 weeks after ECC were pre-operation WBC >11.55 × 10^9/L, CRP > 10.1 and cervical dilation >3.5 cm.

Chronic Endometritis and Uterine Endometrium Microbiota in Recurrent Implantation Failure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether chronic endometritis (CE) and uterine endometrium microbiota were associated with repeated implantation failures (RIFs) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). In this prospective study, uterine endometrial specimens were obtained from 24 women with RIF, 27 with RPL, and 29 fertile control women. Immunohistochemical staining of CD138 for CE and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing analysis for uterine endometrium microbiota were performed simultaneously. To assess CE, Liu's method, McQueen scores and plasma cell count/10 mm2 were used. The frequency of CE (plasma cells > 5.15/10 mm2) was higher in women with RPL (29.6%) than in fertile controls (6.8%, p < 0.05). The plasma cell count/10 mm2 in women with RPL (median 1.53, range 0-252.6, p < 0.01) and women with RIF (median 0.6, range 0-6.98, p < 0.05) was higher than in fertile controls (median 0, range 0-29). The uterine endometrium microbiota in women with RPL or RIF was not significantly different from that in fertile controls. However, the relative dominance rate of Lactobacillus iners (median 4.7%, range 0-99.9 vs. median 0%, range 0-100, p < 0.001) and the positive rate of Ureaplasma species (36.3% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.05) were higher in 11 women with CE than in 69 women without CE. The results suggest that CE may be involved in the pathophysiology of RPL and RIF. Lactobacillus iners and Ureaplasma species may be associated with the etiology of CE.

An Overview of the Microbiota of the Human Urinary Tract in Health and Disease: Current Issues and Perspectives

This article is intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding the functions of the resident microbiota/microbiome in the urinary system for human health and disease. First, we sought to report the general characteristics (composition and stability) of the normal urinary system microbiota in the different anatomical sites in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, gender and diet, analyzing in detail the functions and the composition of the microbiota in the light of current knowledge. Several pieces of evidence suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of the urinary system, and in some cases their relationship with diseases is important for maintaining human health is well understood. The female and male reproductive microbiota have mainly been studied over the past decade. In the past, the arrest was thought to have taken place in a sterile environment. Microorganisms of the microbiota form biofilms, three-dimensional structures, that differ in the reproductive organs and interact with both gametes and the embryo as well as with maternal tissues. These biofilms from the reproductive system also interact with others, such as that of the gastrointestinal tract. Reduction in its diversity intestinal microbiota can disrupt estrogen metabolism and affect the reproductive microbiota. It is therefore understood that its quantitative and qualitative identification is important for microbiota, but also the study of the structures formed by the microorganisms. A dysbiosis with local or systemic causes can lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining microbial population harmony (eubiosis) and preventing certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system was also investigated. A negative variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of certain strains of microorganisms (dysbiosis) due to local or systemic causes can even lead to serious diseases. The role of probiotics in maintaining the healthy balance of microorganism populations (eubiosis), and thus in the prevention of certain pathologies of the urinary and reproductive system, has also been studied.

Maternal Infection and Preterm Birth: From Molecular Basis to Clinical Implications

As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to analyze the connection between infections and premature birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The overproduction of prostaglandins caused by the inflammation associated with an infection could lead to uterine contractions, contributing to preterm delivery. Many pathogens, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Actinomyces, Candida spp., and Streptococcus spp. have been related with premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis of the neonate. Further research regarding the prevention of preterm delivery is required in order to develop effective preventive methods with the aim of reducing neonatal morbidity.

Efficacy of ultrasound-indicated cerclage in twin pregnancies: a retrospective case-control study matched by cervical length

BACKGROUND

Twin pregnancies with a progressively shortening cervix in the midterm pregnancy have an increasing risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Currently, there is no known effective method to prevent preterm birth among those women, and the use of an ultrasound-indicated cerclage in twin pregnancies is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate whether a combination of ultrasound-indicated cerclage, indomethacin, and antibiotics in twin pregnancies between 18 and 26 weeks' gestation could extend the pregnancy, reduce the risk for spontaneous preterm birth, and improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The ultrasound-indicated cerclage group included twin pregnancies with a transvaginal cervical length <25 mm that underwent cerclage at 18 to 26 weeks of gestation in the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from December 2015 through August 2021. Twin pregnancies in our study that underwent cerclage also received antibiotics and indomethacin. A control group of twin pregnancies that were managed expectantly were matched with the treatment group in terms of transvaginal cervical length at diagnosis (±3 mm), gestational age at presentation of diagnosis (±3 weeks), and maternal age (±5 years). An additional subanalysis was performed in which the patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on transvaginal cervical length of either <15 mm or between 15 and 24 mm. The primary outcome was gestational age at delivery. The secondary outcomes were pregnancy latency, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth at <28, <32, <34, <36 weeks' gestation, and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 90 twin pregnancies with a transvaginal cervical length <25 mm were managed with either a cerclage (ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, n=45) or expectantly (control group, n=45). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. When compared with the control group, the gestational age at delivery was significantly higher (33.11±3.16 vs 30.22±4.12 weeks; P=.001) and the pregnancy latency was significantly longer (72.40±22.51 vs 45.56±28.82 days; P<.001) in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group. The rates of spontaneous preterm birth at <28, <32, <34, and <36 weeks' gestation were significantly lower in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group than in the control group. In terms of neonatal outcomes, there were significant reductions in the overall perinatal mortality (4.4% vs 20.0%; P<.001), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (69.0% vs 92.6%; P<.001), and composite adverse neonatal outcomes (43.7% vs 64.7%; P=.010) for the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group when compared with the control group. In the subgroup of women with a transvaginal cervical length of between 15 and 24 mm (with 21 in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group vs 21 controls), the data were adjusted for maternal age, pregestational body mass index, in vitro fertilization, operative hysteroscopy, previous cervical surgery, previous spontaneous preterm birth, white blood cell counts, C-reactive protein level, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and the shortest transvaginal cervical length measured at diagnosis. In ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, gestational age at delivery was significantly higher (32.95±3.81 vs 30.24±4.01 weeks; beta, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-6.55; P=.042), pregnancy latency was significantly prolonged (77.19±24.81 vs 48.52±29.67 days; beta, 33.81; 95% confidence interval, 12.29-55.34; P=.003), and the rates of spontaneous preterm birth <36 weeks' gestation (57.1% vs 95.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.69; P=.029) was significantly decreased, and for neonatal outcomes, there were significant reductions in neonatal intensive care unit admissions (53.7% vs 96.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.32; P=.003) and the composite adverse neonatal outcomes (39.0% vs 73.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.68; P=.008) in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group when compared with the control group. In the subgroup of women with a transvaginal cervical length <15 mm, gestational age at delivery was higher (33.25±2.52 vs 30.00±4.33 weeks; beta, 3.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-6.42; P=.002), pregnancy latency was significantly prolonged (68.21±19.85 vs 42.96±28.43 days; beta, 30.11; 95% confidence interval, 12.42-47.81; P=.001), rates of spontaneous preterm birth at <32 weeks (16.7% vs 54.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.61; P=.020) and <34 weeks (54.2% vs 83.3%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.66; P=.019) of gestation was significantly decreased, and neonatal birthweight was significantly increased (2023.96±510.35 vs 1421.77±611.40 g; beta, 702.40; 95% confidence interval, 297.02-1107.78; P=.001) in the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Cerclage among women with twin pregnancies with a transvaginal cervical length <25 mm may reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth and improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes when compared with expectant management. It is worth noting that even with a short transvaginal cervical length of 15 to 24 mm, cerclage will significantly decrease the risk of delivery at <36 weeks' gestation and prolong pregnancy latency. Among women with a short transvaginal cervical length <15 mm, cerclage will significantly decrease the risk of delivery at <32 and <34 weeks' gestation and prolong pregnancy latency.

Ureaplasma parvum infection induces inflammatory changes in vaginal epithelial cells independent of sialidase

BACKGROUND

Ureaplasma, a genus of the order Mycoplasmatales and commonly grouped with Mycoplasma as genital mycoplasma is one of the most common microbes isolated from women with infection/inflammation-associated preterm labor (PTL). Mycoplasma spp. produce sialidase that cleaves sialic acid from glycans of vaginal mucous membranes and facilitates adherence and invasion of the epithelium by pathobionts, and dysregulated immune response. However, whether Ureaplasma species can induce the production of sialidase is yet to be demonstrated. We examined U. parvum-infected vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) for the production of sialidase and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

METHODS

Immortalized VECs were cultured in appropriate media and treated with U. parvum in a concentration of 1 × 10⁵ DNA copies/ml. After 24 h of treatment, cells and media were harvested. To confirm infection and cell uptake, immunocytochemistry for multi-banded antigen (MBA) was performed. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production and protein analysis for sialidase confirmed pro-labor pathways.

RESULTS

Infection of VECs was confirmed by the presence of intracellular MBA. Western blot analysis showed no significant increase in sialidase expression from U. parvum-treated VECs compared to uninfected cells. However, U. parvum infection induced 2-3-fold increased production of GM-CSF (p = 0.03), IL-6 (p = 0.01), and IL-8 (p = 0.01) in VECs compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

U. parvum infection of VECs induced inflammatory imbalance associated with vaginal dysbiosis but did not alter sialidase expression at the cellular level. These data suggest that U. parvum's pathogenic effect could be propagated by locally produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and, unlike other genital mycoplasmas, may be independent of sialidase.

Mycoplasma genitalium infection in the female reproductive system: Diseases and treatment

Mycoplasma genitalium is a newly emerged sexually transmitted disease pathogen and an independent risk factor for female cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. The clinical symptoms caused by M. genitalium infection are mild and easily ignored. If left untreated, M. genitalium can grow along the reproductive tract and cause salpingitis, leading to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, M. genitalium infection in late pregnancy can increase the incidence of preterm birth. M. genitalium infections are often accompanied by co-infection with other sexually transmitted pathogens (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and viral infections (Human Papilloma Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus). A recent study suggested that M. genitalium plays a role in tumor development in the female reproductive system. However, few studies endorsed this finding. In recent years, M. genitalium has evolved into a new "superbug" due to the emergence of macrolide-and fluoroquinolone-resistant strains leading to frequent therapy failures. This review summarizes the pathogenic characteristics of M. genitalium and the female reproductive diseases caused by M. genitalium (cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, premature birth, co-infection, reproductive tumors, etc.), as well as its potential relationship with reproductive tumors and clinical treatment.

Multiple sexually transmitted co-infections are associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in asymptomatic adolescent pregnant women; A Prospective cohort study

Background

A prospective cohort was conducted to assess the prevalence of seven RTIs/STIs in adolescent asymptomatic pregnant women to find a significant correlation between infection and pregnancy.

Methods

The study was restricted to 18–19 years of asymptomatic adolescent pregnant women attending Ante-Natal Care and the health status of the pregnant women were followed up to parturition. The health status of the infant was followed till 6 months post-delivery. The prevalence of the concerning pathogens and the significance of their association with adverse outcomes of pregnancy were determined.

Results

Among 279 subjects, the most significant co-infections were observed for M. hominis with U. parvum (9.31%; p-value–0.0071/OR−2.6421) and U. urealyticum (7.88%; p-value–0.0119/OR−2.6455). Statistically significant associations were found between C. trachomatis [(p-value-0.0439); OR−2.9902] and M. genitalium [(p-value−0.0284); OR−3.442] with PTB, N. gonorrhoeae with LBW &lt;2.5 kg [(p-value−0.0052);OR−4.9017], U. urealyticum with VLBW &lt;2 kg [(p-value-0.0262);OR−3.0207], M. genitalium [(p-value-0.0184); OR−11.7976] and T. vaginalis with PROM [(p-value 0.0063); OR−19.4275] while M. genitalium [(p-value 0.0190); OR–12.9230] and U. urealyticum [(p-value 0.0063); OR-14.5149] with PPROM with 95% CI respectively.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic adolescents are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes if infected with the concerned pathogens.

Genetic Polymorphisms in MicroRNA-196a2 and the Risk of Human Abortion Related to Mycoplasma hominis

Mutations in some miRNAs are associated with human recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In parallel, Mycoplasma spp. are one of the most common infections in pregnant women. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between miRNA196a-2 gene polymorphism and Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) infection as a possible cause of human abortion. A total of 160 cervical swab specimens were collected from women (80 samples with at least one abortion as case, and 80 samples without abortion as control). A PCR-based method using 16S rRNA gene and tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (Tetra-ARMS-PCR) were used to identify the presence of M. hominis infections and miRNA196a-2 genotypes of studied women, respectively. Results showed that 22.5% of women with abortion and 7.5% of women without abortion were infected with M. hominis, thereby suggesting a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Tetra-ARMSPCR indicated that no significant difference in frequency of genotypes existed between women experimenting abortion and control group. Independently to the presence of M. hominis infection, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in genotypic frequencies of miRNA196a-2 between RPL women and those with one abortion. Estimation of the Odds Ratios indicated that the chance of recurrent abortions in TT genotypes of miRNA196a-2 was about three times more likely than CC in non-infected individuals and about five times more likely than CC in M. hominis-infected patients. Our results proposed the role of miRNA196a-2 genotypes in RPL either in M. hominis-infected or non-infected individuals.

Adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes associated with Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum (genital mycoplasmas) commonly colonise the urogenital tract in pregnant women. This systematic review aims to investigate their role in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, alone or in combination with bacterial vaginosis (BV).

METHODS

We searched Embase, Medline and CINAHL databases from January 1971 to February 2021. Eligible studies tested for any of the three genital mycoplasmas during pregnancy and reported on the primary outcome, preterm birth (PTB) and/or secondary outcomes low birth weight (LBW), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), spontaneous abortion (SA) and/or perinatal or neonatal death (PND).Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, read potentially eligible full texts and extracted data. Two reviewers independently assessed risks of bias using published checklists. Random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate summary ORs (with 95% CIs and prediction intervals). Multivariable and stratified analyses were synthesised descriptively.

RESULTS

Of 57/1194 included studies, 39 were from high-income countries. In meta-analysis of unadjusted ORs, M. hominis was associated with PTB (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.34), PROM, LBW and PND but not SA. U. urealyticum was associated with PTB (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.55), PROM, LBW, SA and PND. U. parvum was associated with PTB (1.60, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.30), PROM and SA. Nine of 57 studies reported any multivariable analysis. In two studies, analyses stratified by BV status showed that M. hominis and U. parvum were more strongly associated with PTB in the presence than in the absence of BV. The most frequent source of bias was a failure to control for confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

The currently available literature does not allow conclusions about the role of mycoplasmas in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, alone or with coexisting BV. Future studies that consider genital mycoplasmas in the context of the vaginal microbiome are needed.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016050962.

Predicting preterm birth through vaginal microbiota, cervical length, and WBC using a machine learning model

An association between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth has been reported. However, in practice, it is difficult to predict premature birth using the microbiome because the vaginal microbial community varies highly among samples depending on the individual, and the prediction rate is very low. The purpose of this study was to select markers that improve predictive power through machine learning among various vaginal microbiota and develop a prediction algorithm with better predictive power that combines clinical information. As a multicenter case–control study with 150 Korean pregnant women with 54 preterm delivery group and 96 full-term delivery group, cervicovaginal fluid was collected from pregnant women during mid-pregnancy. Their demographic profiles (age, BMI, education level, and PTB history), white blood cell count, and cervical length were recorded, and the microbiome profiles of the cervicovaginal fluid were analyzed. The subjects were randomly divided into a training (n = 101) and a test set (n = 49) in a two-to-one ratio. When training ML models using selected markers, five-fold cross-validation was performed on the training set. A univariate analysis was performed to select markers using seven statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Using the selected markers, including Lactobacillus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum, Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella timonensis, and Peptoniphilus grossensis, machine learning models (logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, and GUIDE) were used to build prediction models. The test area under the curve of the logistic regression model was 0.72 when it was trained with the 17 selected markers. When analyzed by combining white blood cell count and cervical length with the seven vaginal microbiome markers, the random forest model showed the highest test area under the curve of 0.84. The GUIDE, the single tree model, provided a more reasonable biological interpretation, using the 10 selected markers (A. vaginae, G. vaginalis, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus fornicalis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus jensenii, Peptoniphilus grossensis, P. timonensis, and U. parvum), and the covariates produced a tree with a test area under the curve of 0.77. It was confirmed that the association with preterm birth increased when P. timonensis and U. parvum increased (AUC = 0.77), which could also be explained by the fact that as the number of Peptoniphilus lacrimalis increased, the association with preterm birth was high (AUC = 0.77). Our study demonstrates that several candidate bacteria could be used as potential predictors for preterm birth, and that the predictive rate can be increased through a machine learning model employing a combination of cervical length and white blood cell count information.

Prevalence and Load of Cervical Ureaplasma Species With Respect to Intra-amniotic Complications in Women With Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes Before 34 weeks

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid of women with singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) with respect to intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, and colonization of the amniotic fluid.

Methods: A total of 217 women with PPROM between gestational ages 24 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks were included in this study. Paired amniotic and cervical fluid samples were collected at the time of admission via transabdominal amniocentesis and using a Dacron polyester swab, respectively. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was diagnosed using a combination of culture and molecular biology methods. Intra-amniotic inflammation was determined based on the concentration of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid. Based on the presence or absence of these conditions, the women were stratified into the following subgroups: intra-amniotic infection (with both), sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (with inflammation only), colonization (with microorganisms only), and negative amniotic fluid (without either). The Ureaplasma spp. DNA load in the cervical fluid was assessed using PCR.

Results:Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid was found in 61% (133/217) of the women. Women with negative amniotic had similar prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in cervical fluid (55%) to those with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (54%) but lower than those with intra-amniotic infection (73%) and colonization (86%; p < 0.0001). Women with negative amniotic fluid had a lower load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in their cervical fluid (median: 4.7 × 10³ copies of DNA/ml) than those with intra-amniotic infection (median: 2.8 × 10⁵ copies DNA/ml), sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (median: 5.3 × 10⁴ copies DNA/ml), and colonization (median: 1.2 × 10⁵ copies DNA/mL; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, in PPROM at <34 weeks, the presence of intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, or colonization of the amniotic fluid was associated with a higher prevalence and/or load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid than the absence of intra-amniotic complications.

Adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes associated with Mycoplasma genitalium: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To examine associations between Mycoplasma genitalium infection during pregnancy and adverse outcomes.

Methods

We did a systematic review of observational studies. We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL up to 11 August 2021. Studies were included if they compared preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight or perinatal death between women with and without M. genitalium. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion and extracted data. We used random-effects meta-analysis to estimate summary ORs and adjusted ORs, with 95% CIs, where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using established checklists.

Results

We identified 116 records and included 10 studies. Women with M. genitalium were more likely to experience preterm birth in univariable analyses (summary unadjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.81, I²=0%, 7 studies). The combined adjusted OR was 2.34 (95% CI 1.17 to 4.71, I²=0%, 2 studies). For spontaneous abortion, the summary unadjusted OR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.89, I²=0%, 6 studies). The adjusted OR in one case–control study was 0.9 (95% CI 0.2 to 3.8). Unadjusted ORs for premature rupture of membranes were 7.62 (95% CI 0.40 to 145.86, 1 study) and for low birth weight 1.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 10.39, 1 study). For perinatal death, the unadjusted OR was 1.07 (95% CI 0.49 to 2.36) in one case–control and 38.42 (95% CI 1.45 to 1021.43) in one cohort study. These two ORs were not combined, owing to heterogeneity. The greatest risk of bias was the failure in most studies to control for confounding.

Conclusion

M. genitalium might be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Further prospective studies, with adequate control for confounding, are needed to understand the role of M. genitalium in adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to indicate routine testing and treatment of asymptomatic M. genitalium in pregnancy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016050962.

Mycoplasma genitalium: A new superbug

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen. It is an important cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men and is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, putting them at risk of infertility. Multiple factors that aid pathogenesis of MG include its ability of adhesion, gliding motility, and intracellular invasion by means of the tip organelle. Through intracellular localization and antigenic variation, MG could result in treatment-resistant chronic infection. There are limited data on the prevalence of MG in Indian patients with urogenital syndromes. Recently, a high prevalence of extra genital infection with MG has been reported. Molecular assays are the major diagnostic techniques of MG infection. Antimicrobial agents such as macrolides, along with fluoroquinolones, are the treatment of choice for MG infections. The issue of drug resistance to azithromycin and fluoroquinolones in MG is rising globally. As molecular tests are becoming available for MG, both for the diagnosis and the detection of antimicrobial resistance, any patient with MG infection should then be tested for antimicrobial resistance. Consideration of MG as a cause of sexually transmitted disease in the Indian population is crucial in diagnostic algorithms and treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to understand the prevalence of MG in different clinical scenarios, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, current status of antimicrobial resistance, and its impact on MG treatment.

Maternal Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants

INTRODUCTION

Ureaplasma (U.) and Mycoplasma (M.) species have been related to pregnancy complications (including preterm birth) and worse neonatal outcomes. The aim of our work is to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants born to mothers with Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization during pregnancy.

METHODS

Preterm infants with gestational age (GA) of ≤ 30 weeks were included in a retrospective follow-up study. To evaluate the effects of maternal vaginal colonization, we divided preterm infants into two groups: exposed and unexposed infants. All infants were assessed at 24 ± 3 months of age using Griffith's Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS).

RESULTS

Among 254 preterm infants, only 32 infants (12.6%) were exposed to U. /M. colonization during pregnancy. Exposed infants and unexposed ones had a similar Griffith's Developmental Quotient (106 ± 27.2 vs. 108.9 ± 19.5, respectively), without significant differences (p = 0.46). However, exposed infants had a significantly poorer outcome than their unexposed peers in terms of locomotor abilities (100.7 ± 28.3 exposed vs. 111.5 ± 26.1 unexposed, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

For visual and hearing impairment, exposed and unexposed infants had similar incidences of cognitive and motor impairment. However, exposed infants had significantly lower locomotor scores than unexposed peers.

Genital mycoplasma infection and spontaneous preterm birth outcome: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) associated with genital mycoplasma infection in asymptomatic women.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

SETTING

Public and private health services in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

POPULATION

A cohort of 1349 asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy at 20-25 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

Participants completed a sociodemographic and clinical history questionnaire during the prenatal visit and provided cervicovaginal samples for the evaluation of Mycoplasma hominis (Mh), Ureaplasma spp. and bacterial vaginosis (BV). For gestational outcome, information about the delivery was assessed and sPTB was defined as a birth that occurred before 37 weeks of gestation. The association between variables and the risk of sPTB was evaluated using logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Genital mycoplasma infection and prematurity.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sPTB and genital mycoplasma was 6.8 and 18%, respectively. The infection was not a risk factor for sPTB (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32-1.35), even when Mh and Ureaplasma spp. were found together (P = 0.83). Pregnant women with genital mycoplasma infections had greater BV (P < 0.0001), but this vaginal microbiota condition was not associated with sPTB (P = 0.35). Regarding the risk factors associated with sPTB, a previous history of sPTB (aOR 12.06, 95% CI 6.21-23.43) and a cervical length of ≤2.5 cm (aOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.67-9.47) were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Genital mycoplasma infection was not a risk factor for sPTB, even in the presence of other abnormal vaginal microbiota.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Genital mycoplasma infection was not a risk for sPTB, even when associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Maternal Vaginal Ureaplasma spp. Colonization in Early Pregnancy Is Associated with Adverse Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Very Preterm Infants

Vaginal colonization with Ureaplasma (U.) spp. has been shown to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome; however, data on neonatal outcome are scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate whether maternal vaginal colonization with U. spp. in early pregnancy represents a risk factor for adverse short- or long-term outcome of preterm infants. Previously, 4330 pregnant women were enrolled in an observational multicenter study, analyzing the association between vaginal U. spp. colonization and spontaneous preterm birth. U. spp. colonization was diagnosed via PCR analysis from vaginal swabs. For this study, data on short-term outcome were collected from medical records and long-term outcome was examined via Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 24 months adjusted age. Two-hundred-and-thirty-eight children were born <33 weeks gestational age. After exclusion due to asphyxia, malformations, and lost-to-follow-up, data on short-term and long-term outcome were available from 222 and 92 infants, respectively. Results show a significant association between vaginal U. spp. colonization and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (10.4% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.03), retinopathy of prematurity (21.7% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.03), and adverse psychomotor outcome (24.3% vs. 1.8%, OR 13.154, 95%CI 1.6,110.2, p = 0.005). The data suggest an association between vaginal U. spp. colonization in early pregnancy and adverse short- and long-term outcome of very preterm infants.

Nonviral sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy: current controversies and new challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an update of nonviral, curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy and summarizes our understanding of the current issues and controversies surrounding risk factors, screening, and treatment of STIs in pregnancy primarily in high-income countries (using the United States and the United Kingdom as examples). The infections covered in this review are syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections.

RECENT FINDINGS

Overall, limited modern data is available to update researchers and clinicians on the epidemiology and care of STIs in pregnancy. Though common risk factors can be identified among these STIs, like socioeconomic status and inadequate antenatal care, specific screening and treatment challenges vary by geography and pathogen. Wherever available, surveillance data and research evidence are often limited to nonpregnant patients, leading to imperfect pregnancy-specific risk estimates and obstetric lags in the development and adoption of new guidelines. We have identified three areas of opportunity that may enhance the effectiveness of current approaches and inform new ones: improved data collection and evidence-based screening practices; prompt and comprehensive therapy, including partner services, and evaluations of new treatment modalities; and equitable antenatal and sexual healthcare for all pregnant persons and their partners.

SUMMARY

These findings highlight the need to revisit standards of screening and management of STIs in pregnancy in high-income countries.

A specific bacterial DNA signature in the vagina of Australian women in midpregnancy predicts high risk of spontaneous preterm birth (the Predict1000 study)

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine infection accounts for a quarter of the cases of spontaneous preterm birth; however, at present, it is not possible to efficiently identify pregnant women at risk to deliver preventative treatments.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish a vaginal microbial DNA test for Australian women in midpregnancy that will identify those at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 1000 women with singleton pregnancies were recruited in Perth, Australia. Midvaginal swabs were collected between 12 and 23 weeks' gestation. DNA was extracted for the detection of 23 risk-related microbial DNA targets by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Obstetrical history, pregnancy outcome, and demographics were recorded.

RESULTS

After excluding 64 women owing to losses to follow-up and insufficient sample for microbial analyses, the final cohort consisted of 936 women of predominantly white race (74.3%). The overall preterm birth rate was 12.6% (118 births); the spontaneous preterm birth rate at <37 weeks' gestation was 6.2% (2.9% at ≤34 weeks' gestation), whereas the preterm premature rupture of the membranes rate was 4.2%. No single individual microbial target predicted increased spontaneous preterm birth risk. Conversely, women who subsequently delivered at term had higher amounts of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, or Lactobacillus jensenii DNA in their vaginal swabs (13.8% spontaneous preterm birth vs 31.2% term; P=.005). In the remaining women, a specific microbial DNA signature was identified that was strongly predictive of spontaneous preterm birth risk, consisting of DNA from Gardnerella vaginalis (clade 4), Lactobacillus iners, and Ureaplasma parvum (serovars 3 and 6). Risk prediction was improved if Fusobacterium nucleatum detection was included in the test algorithm. The final algorithm, which we called the Gardnerella Lactobacillus Ureaplasma (GLU) test, was able to detect women at risk of spontaneous preterm birth at <37 and ≤34 weeks' gestation, with sensitivities of 37.9% and 44.4%, respectively, and likelihood ratios (plus or minus) of 2.22 per 0.75 and 2.52 per 0.67, respectively. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes was more than twice as common in GLU-positive women. Adjusting for maternal demographics, ethnicity, and clinical history did not improve prediction. Only a history of spontaneous preterm birth was more effective at predicting spontaneous preterm birth than a GLU-positive result (odds ratio, 3.6).

CONCLUSION

We have identified a vaginal bacterial DNA signature that identifies women with a singleton pregnancy who are at increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth and may benefit from targeted antimicrobial therapy.

Are Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum associated with specific genital symptoms and clinical signs in non-pregnant women?

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence supporting an association between Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum and symptoms or disease in non-pregnant women. However, testing and reporting of these organisms frequently occurs, in-part due to their inclusion in multiplex-PCR assays for sexually transmitted infection (STI) detection. We investigated if M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum were associated with symptoms and/or signs in non-pregnant women attending a sexual health service.

METHODS

Eligible women attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre completed a questionnaire regarding sexual practices and symptoms. Symptomatic women underwent examination. Women were assessed for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and tested for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum, and four non-viral STIs using a commercial multiplex-PCR.

RESULTS

1,272 women were analysed. After adjusting for STIs and VVC, M. hominis was associated with abnormal vaginal discharge (aOR=2.70, 95%CI:1.92-3.79), vaginal malodour (aOR=4.27, 95%CI:3.08-5.91), vaginal pH>4.5 (aOR=4.27, 95%CI:3.22-5.66) and presence of clue cells (aOR=8.08, 95%CI:5.68-11.48). Ureaplasma spp. were not associated with symptoms/signs. BV was strongly associated with M. hominis (aOR=8.01, 95%CI:5.99-10.71), but was not associated with either Ureaplasma spp. In stratified analyses, M. hominis was associated with self-reported vaginal malodour and clinician-recorded vaginal discharge in women with BV, but not with symptoms/signs in women without BV.

CONCLUSION

Only M. hominis was associated with symptoms/signs, and these were manifestations of BV. Importantly, M. hominis was not associated with symptoms/signs in women without BV. These findings do not support routine testing for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum in non-pregnant women.

Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To examine associations between Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, perinatal mortality, low birth weight and ophthalmia neonatorum.

Data sources

We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for studies published between 1948 and 14 January 2020.

Methods

Studies were included if they reported testing for NG during pregnancy and compared pregnancy, perinatal and/or neonatal outcomes between women with and without NG. Two reviewers independently assessed papers for inclusion and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using established checklists for each study design. Summary ORs with 95% CIs were generated using random effects models for both crude and, where available, adjusted associations.

Results

We identified 2593 records and included 30 in meta-analyses. Women with NG were more likely to experience preterm birth (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.99, n=18 studies); premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.92, n=9); perinatal mortality (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.46, n=9); low birth weight (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.48, n=8) and ophthalmia neonatorum (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.36 to 13.04, n=6). Summary adjusted ORs were, for preterm birth 1.90 (95% CI 1.14 to 3.19, n=5) and for low birth weight 1.48 (95% CI 0.79 to 2.77, n=4). In studies with a multivariable analysis, age was the variable most commonly adjusted for. NG was more strongly associated with preterm birth in low-income and middle-income countries (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.48, n=7) than in high-income countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.83, n=11).

Conclusions

NG is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Further research should be done to determine the role of NG in different perinatal mortality outcomes because interventions that reduce mortality will have the greatest impact on reducing the burden of disease in low-income and middle-income countries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016050962.

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy - An update on Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Routine screening for Chlamydia and gonococcal infection in pregnancy is not widespread, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite their potential adverse consequences on pregnancy outcome. We conducted a systematic literature search of three major databases to review current literature surrounding Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in pregnancy. We discuss the epidemiology and burden of both infections, detection methods, potential adverse feto-maternal and infant outcomes and provide an overview of treatment options. A total of 67 articles met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae across all trimesters ranged between 1.0%-36.8% and 0-14.2% worldwide, respectively. The most common diagnostic method is the Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). In pregnancy, chlamydia is associated with preterm birth, spontaneous miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal conjunctivitis, while gonorrhoea is mainly associated with preterm birth and stillbirth. Amoxicillin, erythromycin and azithromycin showed similar efficacy in the treatment of chlamydia in pregnancy, while ceftriaxone and cefixime were effective in treating gonorrhoea in pregnancy. Being largely asymptomatic infections in women, we opine that detection strategies with locally appropriate tools should be combined with the syndromic approach in LMICs, where there is a high burden of disease.

Cervical stitch (cerclage) in combination with other treatments for preventing spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancies

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth (PTB) remains the foremost global cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Thus, the prevention of spontaneous PTB still remains of critical importance. In an attempt to prevent PTB in singleton pregnancies, cervical cerclage, in combination with other treatments, has been advocated. This is because, cervical cerclage is an intervention that is commonly recommended in women with a short cervix at high risk of preterm birth but, despite this, many women still deliver prematurely, as the biological mechanism is incompletely understood. Additionally, previous Cochrane Reviews have been published on the effectiveness of cervical cerclage in singleton and multiple pregnancies, however, none has evaluated the effectiveness of using cervical cerclage in combination with other treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether antibiotics administration, vaginal pessary, reinforcing or second cerclage placement, tocolytic, progesterone, or other interventions at the time of cervical cerclage placement prolong singleton gestation in women at high risk of pregnancy loss based on prior history and/or ultrasound finding of 'short cervix' and/or physical examination. History-indicated cerclage is defined as a cerclage placed usually between 12 and 15 weeks gestation based solely on poor prior obstetrical history, e.g. multiple second trimester losses due to painless dilatation. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage is defined as a cerclage placed usually between 16 and 23 weeks gestation for transvaginal ultrasound cervical length < 20 mm in a woman without cervical dilatation. Physical exam-indicated cerclage is defined as a cerclage placed usually between 16 and 23 weeks gestation because of cervical dilatation of one or more centimetres detected on physical (manual) examination.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (26 September 2019), and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included published, unpublished or ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCTs). Studies using a cluster-RCT design were also eligible for inclusion in this review but none were identified. We excluded quasi-RCTs (e.g. those randomised by date of birth or hospital number) and studies using a cross-over design. We also excluded studies that specified addition of the combination therapy after cervical cerclage because the woman subsequently became symptomatic. We included studies comparing cervical cerclage in combination with one, two or more interventions with cervical cerclage alone in singleton pregnancies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles, selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated the certainty of the evidence for this review's main outcomes. Data were checked for accuracy. Standard Cochrane review methods were used throughout.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified two studies (involving a total of 73 women) comparing cervical cerclage alone to a different comparator. We also identified three ongoing studies (one investigating vaginal progesterone after cerclage, and two investigating cerclage plus pessary). One study (20 women), conducted in the UK, comparing cervical cerclage in combination with a tocolytic (salbutamol) with cervical cerclage alone in women with singleton pregnancy did not provide any useable data for this review. The other study (involving 53 women, with data from 50 women) took place in the USA and compared cervical cerclage in combination with a tocolytic (indomethacin) and antibiotics (cefazolin or clindamycin) versus cervical cerclage alone - this study did provide useable data for this review (and the study authors also provided additional data on request) but meta-analyses were not possible. This study was generally at a low risk of bias, apart from issues relating to blinding. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for serious risk of bias and imprecision (few participants, few events and wide 95% confidence intervals). Cervical cerclage in combination with an antibiotic and tocolytic versus cervical cerclage alone (one study, 50 women/babies) We are unclear about the effect of cervical cerclage in combination with antibiotics and a tocolytic compared with cervical cerclage alone on the risk of serious neonatal morbidity (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.24; very low-certainty evidence); perinatal loss (data for miscarriage and stillbirth only - data not available for neonatal death) (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.64; very low-certainty evidence) or preterm birth < 34 completed weeks of pregnancy (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.40; very low-certainty evidence). There were no stillbirths (intrauterine death at 24 or more weeks). The trial authors did not report on the numbers of babies discharged home healthy (without obvious pathology) or on the risk of neonatal death.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate the effect of combining a tocolytic (indomethacin) and antibiotics (cefazolin/clindamycin) with cervical cerclage compared with cervical cerclage alone for preventing spontaneous PTB in women with singleton pregnancies. Future studies should recruit sufficient numbers of women to provide meaningful results and should measure neonatal death and numbers of babies discharged home healthy, as well as other important outcomes listed in this review. We did not identify any studies looking at other treatments in combination with cervical cerclage. Future research needs to focus on the role of other interventions such as vaginal support pessary, reinforcing or second cervical cerclage placement, 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or dydrogesterone or vaginal micronised progesterone, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation and bed rest.

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma carriage in pregnant women: the prevalence of transmission from mother to newborn

Background

Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma have been extensively studied for their possible impact on pregnancy, and their involvement in newborn diseases. This work examined Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma carriage among gravidas women and newborns in Israel, as well as associations between carriage and demographic characteristics, risk factors, pregnancy outcomes, and newborn morbidity rates.

Methods

A total of 214 gravidas women were examined for vaginal pathogen carriage through standard culture and polymerase chain reaction assay. Pharyngeal swabs were collected from newborns of carrier mothers. Clinical and demographic data were collected and infected newborn mortality was monitored for 6 months.

Results

Nineteen mothers were carriers, with highest prevalence among younger women. Pathogen carriage rates were 2.32% for Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), 4.19% for Ureaplasma parvum (Up) and 2.32% for Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu). Arab ethnicity was a statistically significant risk factor (p = 0.002). A higher prevalence was seen among women residing in cities as compared to villages. Thirteen (68%) newborns born to carrier mothers were carriers as well, with a higher prevalence among newborns of women delivering for the first time, compared to women that had delivered before. Infection rates among newborns were 20% for Mg (p = 0.238), 100% for Up (p < 0.01), and 28.5% for Uu (p = 0.058), with more male than female newborns being infected. No association was found between maternal carriage and newborn morbidity.

Conclusions

Maternal Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma carriage may be associated with ethnicity and settlement type. Further studies will be needed to identify factors underlying these associations and their implications on delivery.

Neonatal Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Infections

Mycoplasma species (spp.) can be commensals or opportunistic pathogens of the urogenital tract, and they can be commonly isolated from amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetal/neonatal tissue or blood in mothers delivering prematurely or their preterm infants. Although the presence of Mycoplasma spp. has been associated with adverse maternal-fetal outcomes such as preterm birth and maternal chorioamnionitis, it is less clear whether vertical transmission to the neonate results in colonization or active infection/inflammation. Moreover, the presence of Mycoplasma spp. in neonatal blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue has been variably associated with increased risk of neonatal comorbidities, especially bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Although the treatment of the mother or neonate with antibiotics is effective in eradicating ureaplasma, it is not clear that the treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of major morbidities of the preterm neonate (eg, BPD). In this article, we review the animal and clinical data for ureaplasma-related complications and treatment strategies. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(7):e305-e312.].

Association of spontaneous abortion and Ureaplasma parvum detected in placental tissue

Spontaneous abortion is considered a public health problem having several causes, including infections. Among the infectious agents, bacteria of the vaginal microbiota and Ureaplasma parvum have been associated with abortion, but their participation needs to be further elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the influence of Mollicutes on the development of spontaneous abortion. Women who underwent spontaneous abortion and those with normal birth (control) were studied. Samples of cervical mucus (CM) and placental tissue were collected to identify Mollicutes using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction methodology. Eighty-nine women who had a miscarriage and 20 women with normal pregnancies were studied. The presence of Mollicutes in placental tissue increased the chance of developing miscarriage sevenfold. The prevalence of U. parvum in women who experienced spontaneous abortion was 66.3% in placental tissue. A positive association was observed between the detection of U. parvum in samples of placental tissue and abortion. There was a significant increase in microbial load in placental tissue for M. hominis, U. urealyticum and U. parvum compared to the control group. Detection of U. parvum in CM in pregnant women can ascend to the region of the placental tissue and trigger a spontaneous abortion.

Detection of Ureaplasma Biovars and Subtyping of Ureaplasma parvum among Women Referring to a University Hospital in Morocco

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Ureaplasma biovars and Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) serovars, their associated risk factors, and genital STI-related symptoms.

Methods

DNA obtained from cervical samples of 1053 women attending the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the laboratory of pathological anatomy of Hassan II university hospital of Fez, Morocco, was used to detect Ureaplasma biovars (U. urealyticum and U. parvum) and to subtype U. parvum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Of the 1053 women examined, 25.4% (268/1053) were Ureaplasma positives. The rates of U. urealyticum and U. parvum were 12.1% (128/1053) and 7% (74/1053), respectively, and the copresence of these biovars was noted in 6.3% (66/1053) cases. The U. parvum subtyping revealed a predominance of the serovar 3/14 (61.4%). The association of demographics variables with Ureaplasma biovars was studied and shows that the age (“<30” years) seems to be a risk factor of Ureaplasma spp. and U. urealyticum carriage (OR 1.729, 95% CI [1.113-2.687] and OR 1.848, 95% CI [1.026-3.330], respectively). There was no difference in the prevalence of Ureaplasma type regarding symptoms. However, a significant association was found between U. parvum serovar 1 and infertility (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

This first study conducted in Morocco provides an idea on Ureaplasma biovars and U. parvum serovars circulating in this region, their associated risk factors, and genital STI-related symptoms. Therefore, further studies are required to clarify and confirm the pathogenic role of these Ureaplasma species.

Evaluation of the prevalence of sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens in Northern Cyprus by nucleic acid amplification tests, and investigation of the relationship between these pathogens and cervicitis

Objective:

To evaluate the prevalence of pathogens, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea and Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Ureaplasma parvum in women via multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Materials and Methods:

Cervical swabs of 273 women in reproductive age who underwent gynecologic examination in our outpatient clinic were evaluated using the multiplex-PCR-DNA method. The presence of cervicitis, contraceptive methods, marital status, and the number of partners were evaluated.

Results:

One hundred six (39%) of the 273 women had at least one bacterium, 25 women (9.8%) had two bacteria, and three women (1%) had three bacteria. U. urealyticum was the most frequently encountered bacterium (13.9%), followed by M. hominis (12.8%), U. parvum (12.4%), C. trachomatis (5.4%), M. genitalium (2.9%), N. gonorrhea (2.5%), and T. vaginalis (0.3%). Bacterial infection was detected more frequently in women aged <25 years, single, who had multiple partners, and clinically diagnosed with cervicitis. The cervicitis rate was 39% in our study. M. genitalium was significantly more frequent in women with cervicitis than in women without cervicitis (5.6 vs. 1.2%, p=0.005). C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea, which are often associated with cervicitis, were comparable in women with and without cervicitis.

Conclusion:

Women with clinically diagnosed cervicitis or even with a normal-appearing cervix should be tested using multiplex-real-time PCR-nucleic-acidamplification tests on suspicion of such an infection. M. genitalium is an emerging bacterial agent for cervicitis along with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea.

Chronic Intra-Uterine Ureaplasma parvum Infection Induces Injury of the Enteric Nervous System in Ovine Fetuses

Background: Chorioamnionitis, inflammation of the fetal membranes during pregnancy, is often caused by intra-amniotic (IA) infection with single or multiple microbes. Chorioamnionitis can be either acute or chronic and is associated with adverse postnatal outcomes of the intestine, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Neonates with NEC have structural and functional damage to the intestinal mucosa and the enteric nervous system (ENS), with loss of enteric neurons and glial cells. Yet, the impact of acute, chronic, or repetitive antenatal inflammatory stimuli on the development of the intestinal mucosa and ENS has not been studied. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effect of acute, chronic, and repetitive microbial exposure on the intestinal mucosa, submucosa and ENS in premature lambs. Materials and Methods: A sheep model of pregnancy was used in which the ileal mucosa, submucosa, and ENS were assessed following IA exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 2 or 7 days (acute), Ureaplasma parvum (UP) for 42 days (chronic), or repetitive microbial exposure (42 days UP with 2 or 7 days LPS). Results: IA LPS exposure for 7 days or IA UP exposure for 42 days caused intestinal injury and inflammation in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the gut. Repetitive microbial exposure did not further aggravate injury of the terminal ileum. Chronic IA UP exposure caused significant structural ENS alterations characterized by loss of PGP9.5 and S100β immunoreactivity, whereas these changes were not found after re-exposure of chronic UP-exposed fetuses to LPS for 2 or 7 days. Conclusion: The in utero loss of PGP9.5 and S100β immunoreactivity following chronic UP exposure corresponds with intestinal changes in neonates with NEC and may therefore form a novel mechanistic explanation for the association of chorioamnionitis and NEC.

Prevalence and correlated factors of sexually transmitted infections among women attending a Korean sexual assault center

Long-term observation of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is unclear in sexual assault victims (SAVs).We aimed to identify the trends in the prevalence of STIs in SAVs and factors correlated with STIs. Between January 2010 and May 2019, a retrospective observational study was conducted in a regional sexual assault center in Seoul. Data were collected from sexual assault questionnaires and laboratory results. PCR for STIs, including Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), was performed via vaginal swab. Associations between STIs and covariates were examined by logistic regression. A total of 1843 SAVs were included, and 60.2% were positive for at least one STI. UU was the dominant agent (32.6%), followed by MH (27.7%) and CT (17.4%). The annual positivity rate ofMH showed a significant decreasing trend (tau = -0.600, P value = 0.020). The highest positivity rate of STI by age group was 68.0% (282/415) in the 15-19 years of age group. Age (OR = 0.951, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.934-0.968) and pyuria (OR = 1.898, 95% CI = 1.543-2.329) were associated with clinically important STIs (NG, CT and TV). The prevalence of STIs in SAVs was consistently high over 10 years, and most STIs were more prevalent in SAVs than in the general population. Presumptive treatment is still needed, especially for young SAVs with pyuria.

Defining microbial biomarkers for risk of preterm labor

Preterm birth remains the main contributor to early childhood mortality. The vaginal environment, including microbiota composition, might contribute to the risk of preterm delivery. Alterations in the vaginal microbial community structure might represent a risk factor for preterm birth. Here, we aimed to (a) investigate the association between preterm birth and the vaginal microbial community and (b) identify microbial biomarkers for risk of preterm birth. Microbial DNA was isolated from vaginal swabs in a cohort of 69 women enrolled at hospital admission for their delivery. Microbiota was analyzed by high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. While no differences in microbial diversity measures appeared associated with the spontaneous preterm and full-term outcomes, the microbial composition was distinct for these groups. Differential abundance analysis showed Lactobacillus species to be associated with full-term birth whereas an unknown Prevotella species was more abundant in the spontaneous preterm group. Although we studied a very miscegenated population from Brazil, our findings were similar to evidence pointed by other studies in different countries. The role of Lactobacillus species as a protector in the vaginal microbiome is demonstrated to be also a protector of spontaneous preterm outcome whereas the presence of pathogenic species, such as Prevotella spp., is endorsed as a factor of risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.

Infection-mediated preterm birth: Bacterial origins and avenues for intervention

Preterm birth (PTB) is globally the leading cause of death and disability in children under five years of age. Intra-amniotic infection is well recognised as a major cause of PTB. Importantly, it is the most common cause of extreme PTB (birth prior to 28 weeks gestation), which is frequently associated with a wide range of serious neonatal morbidities. Recent developments in next generation sequencing technologies, combined with many years of culture-based microbiological data have allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of infection-mediated PTB. In particular, studies have revealed numerous potential routes to intra-amniotic infection beyond the classically described ascending vaginal route. Currently, antibiotic therapy is standard treatment for suspected or confirmed intra-amniotic infection, although its use in this context has had mixed success due to problems ranging from inappropriate antibiotic selection in relation to the target organism/s, to poor transplacental drug passage. In this review, we will draw together evidence from animal models and human studies to characterise pathways to intra-amniotic infection. We will then thoroughly outline current therapeutic protocols for cases of intra-amniotic infection and suggest potential new avenues for treatment.

Mycoplasma genitalium, a stealth female reproductive tract

Mycoplasma genitalium was first isolated from the urethral swabs of two symptomatic men with urethritis in 1980. It is a sexually transmitted bacterium associated with a number of urogenital conditions in women like cervicitis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, M. genitalium may also act like a stealth pathogen at female reproductive tract, giving no symptoms. Its prevalence varies between different groups, with the average being 0.5-10% in the general population and 20-40% in women with sexually transmitted infections. The recommended treatment of this infection is azithromycin as a single 1-g dose. However, in recent years, macrolide resistance has increased which is significantly lowering the cure rate, being less than 50% in some studies. New treatment regimens need to be investigated due to increasing drug resistance. The discussion and suggestion of an algorithm for management of this infection is the highlight of this paper.

Predictive value of cervical cytokine, antimicrobial and microflora levels for pre-term birth in high-risk women

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB, delivery <37 weeks gestation), accounts for approximately 10% of births worldwide; the aetiology is multifactorial with intra-amniotic infection being one contributing factor. This study aimed to determine whether asymptomatic women with a history of sPTB or cervical surgery have altered levels of inflammatory/antimicrobial mediators and/or microflora within cervical fluid at 22-24 weeks gestation. External cervical fluid was collected from women with history of previous sPTB and/or cervical surgery at 22-24 weeks gestation (n = 135). Cytokine and antimicrobial peptides were measured on a multiplex platform or by ELISA. qPCR was performed for detection of 7 potentially pathogenic bacterial species. IL-8 and IL-1β levels were lower in women who delivered preterm compared to those who delivered at term (IL-8 P = 0.02; IL-1β P = 0.04). There were no differences in elafin or human beta defensin-1 protein levels between the two groups. Multiple bacterial species were detected in a higher proportion of women who delivered preterm than in those who delivered at term (P = 0.005). Cervical fluid IL-8 and IL-1β and microflora have the potential to be used as biomarkers to predict sPTB in high risk women.

Current understanding and treatment of intra-amniotic infection with Ureaplasma spp

Considerable evidence has shown that intra-amniotic infection with Ureaplasma spp. increases the risk of chorioamnionitis and preterm labor. Ureaplasma spp. are among the smallest organisms, and their isolation is uncommon in routine clinical practice because of their size and high auxotrophy. Although Ureaplasma spp. have been reported as causative agents of preterm birth, they also have a high incidence in vaginal swabs collected from healthy reproductive-age women; this has led to questions on the virulence of Ureaplasma spp. and to them being considered as harmless commensal bacteria. Therefore, many efforts have been made to clarify the pathogenicity of Ureaplasma spp. at the molecular level. Ureaplasma spp. are surrounded by lipoproteins, including multiple-banded antigen. Both multiple-banded antigen and its derivative, that is, the synthetic lipopeptide, UPM-1, induce an inflammatory response in a preterm mice model, which was adequate to cause preterm birth or stillbirth. In this review, we present an overview of the virulence mechanisms of Ureaplasma spp. and treatment of ureaplasma infection during pregnancy to prevent possible serious sequelae in infants. In addition, relevant mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in Ureaplasma spp. are discussed. Ureaplasma spp. are naturally resistant against β-lactam antibiotics because of the lack of a cell wall. Azithromycin is one of the effective agents that can control intrauterine ureaplasma infection. In fact, macrolide- and fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates of Ureaplasma spp. have already been observed in perinatal practice in Japan.

Vaginal Ureaplasma parvum serovars and spontaneous preterm birth

BACKGROUND

Ureaplasma species (spp) are the bacteria most often isolated from the amniotic cavity of women with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes; thus, the link between intrauterine Ureaplasma spp infection and adverse pregnancy outcome clearly is established. However, because vaginal Ureaplasma spp colonization is very common in pregnant women, the reason that these microorganisms cause ascending infections in some cases but remain asymptomatic in most pregnancies is not clear. Previous studies suggested an association between vaginal colonization with Ureaplasma parvum as opposed to U urealyticum and preterm delivery. However, because of the high frequency of vaginal Ureaplasma spp colonization during pregnancy, additional risk factors are needed to select a group of women who might benefit from treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To further identify pregnant women who are at increased risk for preterm delivery, the aim of the present study was to investigate U parvum serovar-specific pathogenicity in a large clinical cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

We serotyped 1316 samples that were positive for U parvum using a high-resolution melt polymerase chain reaction assay, and results were correlated with pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

Within U parvum positive samples, serovar 3 was the most common isolate (43.3%), followed by serovar 6 (31.4%) and serovar 1 (25.2%). There was a significantly increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth at very low (<32 weeks gestation; P<.005) and extremely low (<28 weeks gestation; P<.005) gestational age in the group with vaginal U parvum serovar 3 colonization compared with the control group of pregnant women who tested negative for vaginal Ureaplasma spp colonization. This association was found for neither serovar 1 nor serovar 6. The combination of vaginal U parvum serovar 3 colonization and diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy or a history of preterm birth further increased the risk for adverse pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSION

Colonization with U parvum serovar 3, but not serovar 1 or serovar 6, in early pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery at very and extremely low gestational age. The combination of U parvum serovar 3 colonization and a history of preterm birth or bacterial vaginosis further increases the risk for spontaneous preterm birth at low gestational age and may define a target group for therapeutic intervention studies.

The Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infections in a Chinese Internal Migrant Population, and Its Correlation with Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among an internal-migrant population of reproductive age in China. We also analyzed the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to these infections. Methods: A cross-sectional study using the quota-sampling method was conducted in three cities from March 2016 to February 2017. A total of 3320 participants (40.7% men and 59.3% women) were enrolled in the study, of whom, 1124, 1015, and 1181 were from Yinchuan, Urumchi, and Shanghai, respectively. Data on the included subjects were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: We found that 3.2% and 22.6% of all subjects lacked knowledge regarding the identification and prevention of RTIs, respectively. More than 80% of the participants approved of developing RTI surveillance and taking RTI-related courses. While 45.1% of the respondents changed their underwear every 2⁻3 days, 49.0% cleaned their genitals daily, and 34.9% reported taking a bath daily. Among contraceptive users, 47.4% and 29.7% used condoms and IUDs (intrauterine devices), respectively. Overall, 48.2% of the participants had laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections, and 19.7% of the female participants had endogenous infections. After controlling the socio-demographic variables, participants who cleaned their genitals and took a bath less frequently, as well as used condoms or pills had a lower prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, while those who were unwilling to take RTI-related courses and changed their underwear less frequently were more likely to contract sexually transmitted infections. While women who were unwilling to take RTI-related courses had a lower prevalence of endogenous infections, those with more children had a higher prevalence. Conclusion: The status of RTIs among the internal-migrant population of reproductive-age is not optimistic and is related to multiple factors. We believe this study will contribute to improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to RTIs.

Cervical microbiota in women with cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia, prior to and after local excisional treatment, a Norwegian cohort study

Background

Local treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) by Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) has been correlated with reproductive morbidity, while the cervicovaginal microbiota is also known to affect the risk of preterm delivery. CIN and treatment by LEEP might change the cervical microbiota. The main aim of this study was to describe the cervical microbiota before and after LEEP and assess its associaton with cone depth and HPV persistence. Further, we aimed to compare the microbiota to references with normal cervical cytology.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2007, we prospectively identified 89 women planned for LEEP in a Norwegian hospital and recruited 100 references with a normal cervical cytology. Endocervical swabs were collected prior to treatment and at six (n = 77) and 12 months (n = 72) post LEEP for bacterial culture and PCR, and post LEEP for DNA testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). We compared the cervical microbiota composition before and after treatment and between women planned for LEEP vs references.

Results

There was a reduction in the number of non-Lactobacillus bacterial species six and 12 months after LEEP compared to before treatment and a tendency towards a concomitant increase in Lactobacillus. No association between the detection of cervical bacteria, HPV persistence or cone depth was found.

Women planned for LEEP carried significantly more Bacteroides spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma parvum as well as a greater number of bacterial species than the references.

Conclusions

Local excisional treatment appears to alter the cervical microbiota towards a less diverse microbiota. Women with CIN have a more diverse cervical microbiota compared to women with normal cervical cytology.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-019-0727-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Several bacterial sexually transmitted and genital mycoplasma infections during pregnancy have been associated with poor pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Comprehensive and systematic information about associations between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and genital infections in pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes is needed to improve understanding about the evidence for causal associations between these infections and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Our primary objective is to systematically review the literature about associations between: (1) Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnancy and preterm birth; (2) Mycoplasma genitalium in pregnancy and preterm birth; (3) M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or U. parvum in pregnancy and preterm birth.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will undertake a systematic search of Medline, Excerpta Medica database and the Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Following an initial screening of titles by one reviewer, abstracts will be independently assessed by two reviewers before screening of full-text articles. To exclude a manuscript, both reviewers need to agree on the decision. Any discrepancies will be resolved by discussion, or the adjudication of a third reviewer. Studies will be included if they report testing for one or more of N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, M. hominis, U. urealyticum and/or U. parvum during pregnancy and report pregnancy and/or birth outcomes. In this review, the primary outcome is preterm birth. Secondary outcomes are premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and ophthalmia neonatorum. We will use standard definitions, or definitions reported by study authors. We will examine associations between exposure and outcome in forest plots, using the I2 statistic to examine between study heterogeneity. Where appropriate, we will use meta-analysis to combine results of individual studies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review of published literature does not require ethical committee approval. Results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed, open access journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016050962.

Prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis in healthy women and patients with flora alterations

The objective was to estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum in healthy women and patients with altered vaginal microflora. Vaginal samples from 2594 unselected female patients were divided into normal, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and aerobic vaginitis (AV) groups and tested for U. parvum, U. urealyticum and M. hominis. Normal flora was detected in 1773 patients (68.4%), BV in 754 patients (29.1%), and AV in 67 patients (2.6%). In the control group, 771 (43.5%) patients were U. parvum positive, 104 (5.9%) were U. urealyticum positive, and 158 (8.9%) were M. hominis positive. In the BV group, those bacteria were detected in 452 (59.9%), 102 (13.5%), and 202 (26.8%) patients, respectively (P < 0.001); in the AV group, those were detected in 16 (23.9%), 3 (4.5%), and 4 (6.0%) patients, respectively (P < 0.001; 0.63 and 0.40, respectively). This study demonstrated that mycoplasmas may be a marker or a symbiont of the BV flora but not AV flora.

Ureaplasma urealyticum: the Role as a Pathogen in Women's Health, a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the role of Ureaplasma urealyticum as a genital pathogen in women's health. Three aspects were analyzed: (1) preterm delivery (PTD); (2) female infertility; and (3) lower genital tract pathology including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervicitis, and genital discomfort (discharge, burning).

RECENT FINDINGS

A systematic review was performed. Searching PUBMED and EMBASE for published articles from January 2003 to September 2017 using the key word "Ureaplasma urealyticum" yielded 1835 manuscripts. These were further screened using defined inclusion criteria: (1) original peer-reviewed observational studies; (2) English language; (3) U. urealyticum was specifically isolated; (4) present "cases"/"exposed" and "controls"/"unexposed" to enable calculating an association between U. urealyticum and the outcome studied. Altogether, 32 studies were included that underwent quality scoring based on methodology, sample size, study population, and method of identification of U. urealyticum. The association of U. urealyticum and PTD was inconsistent between the studies. Eight of the ten prospective studies failed to show an association between U. urealyticum and PTD, yet four of the six case control studies found a positive association. Regarding female infertility and genital discomfort, five of the six studies for each of these topics failed to find an association. Only two studies met the inclusion criteria for cervicitis with conflicting conclusions. Unfortunately, none of the studies met the inclusion criteria for PID. It seems that U. urealyticum has a limited role as a pathogen in female infertility, cervicitis, PID, and genital discomfort. The role as a pathogen in PTD is unclear and future studies are needed to address this issue.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in Pregnant Iranian Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Several studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pregnant Iranian women. However, it is necessary to combine the previous results to present a general assessment. We conducted the present study based on systematic review and meta-analysis studies according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched the national and international online databases of MagIran, IranMedex, SID, MedLib, IranDoc, Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar search engine for certain MeSH keywords until June 16, 2017. In addition, heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and publication bias were performed. The data were analyzed using random-effects model and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 and P value was considered lower than 0.05. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in 11 surveyed articles that assessed 2864 pregnant Iranian women was 8.74% [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.40-13.84]. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was estimated 5.73% (95% CI: 2.09-14.73) and 13.55% (95% CI: 11.23-16.25) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively which the difference was not significant (P=0.082). The lowest and highest prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was estimated in Tehran province [4.96% (95% CI: 2.45-9.810)] and Ardabil province [28.60% (95% CI: 20.61-38.20)], respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Meta-regression for the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis based on year of the studies was significant with increasing slope (P=0.017). According to the systematic review, the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Urea plasma urealyticum indicated 2 to 22.8% (from 4 articles) and 9.1 to 19.8% (from 3 articles), respectively. There was no evidence of publication bias (P value for Begg and Eggers' tests was 0.161 and 0.173, respectively). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis is high among pregnant Iranian women. Screening pregnant women as part of preventive measures seem necessary considering the potential for maternal and fetal complications.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in different population groups: systematic review andmeta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mycoplasma genitalium is a common cause of non-gonococcal non-chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis. Testing of asymptomatic populations has been proposed, but prevalence in asymptomatic populations is not well established. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of M. genitalium in the general population, pregnant women, men who have sex with men (MSM), commercial sex workers (CSWs) and clinic-based samples, METHODS: We searched Embase, Medline, IndMED, African Index Medicus and LILACS from 1 January 1991 to 12 July 2016 without language restrictions. We included studies with 500 participants or more. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies and extracted data. We examined forest plots and conducted random-effects meta-analysis to estimate prevalence, if appropriate. Between-study heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistic and meta-regression.

RESULTS

Of 3316 screened records, 63 were included. In randomly selected samples from the general population, the summary prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI 1.0% to 1.8%, I2 41.5%, three studies, 9091 people) in countries with higher levels of development and 3.9% (95% CI 2.2 to 6.7, I2 89.2%, three studies, 3809 people) in countries with lower levels. Prevalence was similar in women and men (P=0.47). In clinic based samples, prevalence estimates were higher, except in asymptomatic patients (0.8%, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.4, I2 0.0%, three studies, 2889 people). Summary prevalence estimates were, in the following groups: pregnant women 0.9% (95% CI 0.6% to 1.4%, I2 0%, four studies, 3472 people), MSM in the community 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 5.1, I2 78.3%, five studies, 3012 people) and female CSWs in the community 15.9% (95% CI 13.5 to 18.9, I2 79.9%, four studies, 4006 people).

DISCUSSION

This systematic review can inform testing guidelines for M. genitalium. The low estimated prevalence of M. genitalium in the general population, pregnant women and asymptomatic attenders at clinics does not support expansion of testing to these groups.

REGISTRATION NUMBERS

PROSPERO: CRD42015020420.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis in Asymptomatic Individuals in Korea

This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis isolated from asymptomatic individuals in Korea. Endocervical swabs from women and urine from men, from a total of 5,781 asymptomatic individuals, were analyzed using a Mycoplasma IST2 Kit. Of the 4,825 specimens tested from females, 486 (10.1%) were positive culture. In these positive specimens, 437 (9.1%) were positive only for Ureaplasma spp., 17 (0.4%) were positive only for M. hominis, and 32 (0.7%) were positive for both Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis. In males, of the 956 tested specimens, only 4 (0.42%) were positive for Ureaplasma spp. and no M. hominis colonization was identified. In antimicrobial susceptibility tests, more than 93.2% of both M. hominis and Ureaplasma spp. was susceptible to tetracycline, doxycycline, josamycin, and pristinamycin. However, M. hominis isolates were found to be highly resistant to erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin (82.4%, 70.6%, and 76.5%, respectively). Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, which have recently exhibited increasing resistance rates, showed rates of 17.7% and 35.3%, respectively, in M. hominis, and 50.6% and 27.4%, respectively, in Ureaplasma spp. In conclusion, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the genital mycoplasmas should be conducted for each case to select the appropriate antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone-based drugs should be avoided in the initial treatment of urogenital mycoplasmas because of the increasing rate of resistance to quinolones, although the susceptibility to tetracycline remains high in Korea.