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Silwedel C, Laube M, Speer CP, Glaser K. The Role of Ureaplasma Species in Prenatal and Postnatal Morbidity of Preterm Infants: Current Concepts. Neonatology 2024; 121:627-635. [PMID: 38934167 DOI: 10.1159/000539613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ureaplasma species are considered commensals of the adult urogenital tract. Yet, in pregnancy, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been associated with chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. In preterm infants, Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization has been correlated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other complications of prematurity. Controversies on the impact of Ureaplasma exposure on neonatal morbidity, however, remain, and recommendations for screening practices and therapeutic management in preterm infants are missing. SUMMARY In this review, we outline clinical and experimental evidence of Ureaplasma-driven fetal and neonatal morbidity, critically examining inconsistencies across some of the existing studies. We explore underlying mechanisms of Ureaplasma-associated neonatal morbidity and discuss gaps in the current understanding including the interplay between Ureaplasma and the maternal urogenital tract and the preterm airway microbiome. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of adequate diagnostics and review the potential efficacy of anti-infective therapies. KEY MESSAGES There is strong evidence that perinatal Ureaplasma exposure is causally related to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and there are conclusive data of the role of Ureaplasma in the pathogenesis of neonatal central nervous system infection. Observational and experimental findings indicate immunomodulatory capacities that might promote an increased risk of secondary infections. The burden of Ureaplasma exposure is inversely related to gestational age - leaving the tiniest babies at highest risk. A better knowledge of contributing pathogen and host factors and modulating conditions remains paramount to define screening and treatment recommendations allowing early intervention in preterm infants at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Silwedel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mandy Laube
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian P Speer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Glaser
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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Rittenschober-Boehm J, Fuiko R, Farr A, Willinger B, Berger A, Goeral K. Intrauterine Detection of Ureaplasma Species after Vaginal Colonization in Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcome. Neonatology 2023; 121:187-194. [PMID: 38052191 PMCID: PMC10994598 DOI: 10.1159/000534779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrauterine infection with Ureaplasma species (U.spp.) is mostly a result of vaginal colonization with subsequent ascending infection and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. Little is known about rates and risk factors for ascending infection. Aim of the current study was to analyse the frequency of ascending U.spp. infection in vaginally colonized pregnant women delivering preterm and subsequent short- and long-term outcome of infants. METHODS Women delivering ≤32 weeks of gestation with available data on vaginal U.spp. colonization in early pregnancy as well as amniotic and placental colonization screening during caesarean section were included. Neonatal short- and long-term outcome was analysed depending on vaginal and intrauterine colonization. RESULTS Seventy-two women giving birth to 104 preterm infants were included. Intrauterine microbial invasion was found in 23/72 (31.9%) pregnancies. The most commonly detected organisms were U.spp. (52.2%), followed by E. coli (21.7%) and Enterococcus faecalis (17.4%). Intrauterine growth of U.spp. occurred exclusively after previous vaginal colonization in early pregnancy (42/72; 58.3%) and was found in 12/42 (28.6%) cases. Ascending U.spp. infection mainly occurred in pregnancies delivering <28 weeks after preterm rupture of membranes or preterm labour (9/17, 52.3%). Intrauterine detection of U.spp., but not vaginal colonization, was associated with a significantly higher rate of severe intraventricular haemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and unfavourable psychomotor outcome. CONCLUSION Ascending U.spp. infection after previous vaginal colonization occurred in almost one-third of pregnancies delivering ≤32 weeks, with particularly high rates in those <28 weeks, and was associated with adverse outcome of preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Rittenschober-Boehm
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Fuiko
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex Farr
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Division for Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Berger
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Goeral
- Division of Neonatology, Intensive Care and Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Chang E, Ballard KE, Johnson PN, Nandyal R, Miller JL. Azithromycin for Eradication of Ureaplasma and Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2023; 28:10-19. [PMID: 36777984 PMCID: PMC9901312 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-28.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Azithromycin has been explored as a treatment option for eradication of Ureaplasma and prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates. However, there is debate about the need for eradication of Ureaplasma and whether azithromycin is safe and efficacious for this indication. This literature review provides an overview of the evidence for use of azithromycin for eradication of Ureaplasma and prevention of BPD, including dosing and duration of azithromycin used in these studies. The literature search included articles published in the English language in Medline and PubMed from 1946 to January 2022. Relevant citations within identified articles were also reviewed. A total of 9 studies representing 388 neonates were included. The percentage of neonates that tested positive for Ureaplasma in these studies ranged from 18.6% to 57.1%. Azithromycin was initiated at <3 days of life in 8 studies (88.9%). Dosing was variable and ranged from 5 to 20 mg/kg/dose administered once daily, and the duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 35 days. Most studies used intravenous azithromycin. Overall, azithromycin was more efficacious than placebo at Ureaplasma eradication; however, most of these studies did not find a difference in the incidence of BPD between patients receiving azithromycin versus placebo. No adverse effects, specifically pyloric stenosis or QT interval prolongation, were noted in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Chang
- Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences (EC, KEB, PNJ, JLM), University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kaci E Ballard
- Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences (EC, KEB, PNJ, JLM), University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Peter N Johnson
- Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences (EC, KEB, PNJ, JLM), University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Raja Nandyal
- Section of Neonatology (RN), Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jamie L Miller
- Department of Pharmacy: Clinical and Administrative Sciences (EC, KEB, PNJ, JLM), University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Ureaplasma-Driven Neonatal Neuroinflammation: Novel Insights from an Ovine Model. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:785-795. [PMID: 35334011 PMCID: PMC9957905 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Ureaplasma species (spp.) are considered commensals of the adult genitourinary tract, but have been associated with chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, and invasive infections in neonates, including meningitis. Data on mechanisms involved in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation are scarce. The present study addressed brain inflammatory responses in preterm lambs exposed to Ureaplasma parvum (UP) in utero. 7 days after intra-amniotic injection of UP (n = 10) or saline (n = 11), lambs were surgically delivered at gestational day 128-129. Expression of inflammatory markers was assessed in different brain regions using qRT-PCR and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by multiplex immunoassay. CSF was analyzed for UP presence using ureB-based real-time PCR, and MRI scans documented cerebral white matter area and cortical folding. Cerebral tissue levels of atypical chemokine receptor (ACKR) 3, caspases 1-like, 2, 7, and C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 mRNA, as well as CSF interleukin-8 protein concentrations were significantly increased in UP-exposed lambs. UP presence in CSF was confirmed in one animal. Cortical folding and white matter area did not differ among groups. The present study confirms a role of caspases and the transmembrane receptors ACKR3 and CXCR4 in Ureaplasma-driven neuroinflammation. Enhanced caspase 1-like, 2, and 7 expression may reflect cell death. Increased ACKR3 and CXCR4 expression has been associated with inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases and impaired blood-brain barrier function. According to these data and previous in vitro findings from our group, we speculate that Ureaplasma-induced caspase and receptor responses affect CNS barrier properties and thus facilitate neuroinflammation.
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Gallini F, De Rose DU, Coppola M, Pelosi MS, Cota F, Bottoni A, Ricci D, Romeo DM, Spanu T, Maggio L, Mercuri E, Vento G. Maternal Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:893812. [PMID: 36046478 PMCID: PMC9420904 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.893812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallini
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus-Newborn-Infant, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Coppola
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sofia Pelosi
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cota
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthea Bottoni
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Ricci
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of Low Vision Patients-International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Romeo
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Spanu
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Department of Laboratory and Infectious Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maggio
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Neonatology Unit, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vento
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
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