Premium
Endogenous bacterial flora in pregnant women and the influence of maternal genetic variation
Author(s) -
Genc MR,
Onderdonk A
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02772.x
Subject(s) - innate immune system , immune system , pregnancy , biology , immunology , flora (microbiology) , genital tract , physiology , genetics , bacteria
Please cite this paper as: Genc M, Onderdonk A. Endogenous bacterial flora in pregnant women and the influence of maternal genetic variation. BJOG 2011;118:154–163. Preterm labour, premature prelabour rupture of membranes and low birth weight have all been associated with either specific maternal genital tract infections or an altered vaginal microflora during pregnancy. Factors that influence the variation in microbial–host interaction play an important role in individual susceptibility to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The innate immune responses at mucosal surfaces play a crucial role against microbial invasion. Multiple genes are responsible for the regulation of the innate immune system. Genetic polymorphisms that disrupt innate immune recognition or the responses to infectious microorganisms could explain the alterations in microflora and individual susceptibility to pregnancy complications.