Uro-genital microbial colonization and threatening preterm delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether there is a relationship between the uro-genital microbial colonization and threatening preterm delivery.


METHODS
The microflora in the urine and endocervix was studied in 43 women with preterm labor, 45 women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and 80 normal pregnant women at 26-34 weeks of gestation. Amniotic fluid was examined in 20 of the patients with preterm labor. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test (two-tailed).


RESULTS
The microflora in the urine was not significantly different in patients with preterm labor, PPROM and normal pregnant women. Compared with normal pregnant women, patients with preterm labor had significantly lower prevalences of corynebacteria (p < 0.05) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (p < 0.01) in the cervix, while patients with PPROM had significantly lower prevalences of lactobacilli (p < 0.05) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (p < 0.05) in the cervix. Positive amniotic fluid cultures were detected in three of the 20 patients with preterm labor who underwent transabdominal amniocentesis. Evidence of ascending colonization was found in two of these cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The microbial colonization of the urine was not associated with threatening preterm delivery. Reduced prevalences of lactobacilli, corynebacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci in the cervix were associated with threatening preterm delivery.
Svare
J
J
Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Andersen
L F
LF
Langhoff-Roos
J
J
Madsen
H
H
Jensen
E T
ET
Bruun
B
B
Lind
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000382:microbiology*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000382:microbiology*; D011247:Pregnancy