title: Oral colonization of Gram-negative anaerobes as a risk factor for preterm delivery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preterm birth significantly impacts on neonatal morbidity and mortality and is apparently increasing world-wide. Several studies have attempted to define a causative role for periodontal disease in adverse pregnancy outcomes but few have focused on the microbiology of periodontal disease in relation to these outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evidence for a positive correlation is strong, supported by microbiological and immunological findings. Conflicting results are often associated with uncontrolled confounding factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted in order to establish whether or not a role exists for oral Gram-negative bacteria in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Association and intervention studies are summarized along with pathogenic potential of the Gram-negative bacteria most frequently implicated in periodontal disease.
authors.affiliation: Oral Microbiology Group, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa. cafrica@uwc.ac.za
authors.forename: Charlene W J
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Africa
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006089:Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D009055:Mouth / Q000382:microbiology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors