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Ureaplasma urealyticum cervical colonization as a marker for pregnancy complications
Author(s) -
Horowitz S.,
Horowitz J.,
Mazor M.,
Porath A.,
Glezerman M.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/0020-7292(94)02236-4
Subject(s) - ureaplasma urealyticum , medicine , obstetrics , pregnancy , ureaplasma , premature rupture of membranes , amniocentesis , gynecology , titer , statistical significance , antibody , gestation , fetus , immunology , mycoplasma , prenatal diagnosis , biology , genetics
Objectives: To determine the clinical significance of cervical colonization with (Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and its possible relationship to pregnancy outcome. Methods: Cervical cultures for Uu and serum antibodies to Uu were determined in four groups of pregnant women: (1) 117 women who underwent mid‐trimester amniocentesis; (2) 47 women with preterm labor and intact membranes; (3) 34 women with preterm premature rupture of membranes; and (4) a control group of 315 healthy women with normal pregnancies. Statistical methods used were the chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: A significant increase in the cervical colonization rate with Uu was detected in all study groups (62%, 77% and 74%, respectively) when compared with the control group (42%). Women at mid‐trimester of pregnancy with a positive cervical culture and high levels of antibodies, had a higher rate of pregnancy complications than those with a negative culture and absence of antibodies (62 vs. 28%, respectively; P = 0.0006). Conclusion: Cervical colonization with Uu when associated with elevated titers of antibodies to Uu, may serve as a marker for the identification of a subpopulation of women who are at high risk for the development of pregnancy complications.