Ureaplasmas can be isolated from cervicovaginal secretions from approximately
45% heatlhy women (in the US 80% is reported) and >25% may harbor M. hominis (>50% in the US). These microorganisms are the most common bacterial agents
isolated from various sites during pregnancy including amniotic fluid, deciduas,
chorioamnion and placenta. They have been shown to be a causative agent in
several pathological stated in pregnant women and in newborns.
Intrauterine infections may trigger premature labor and lead to chorioamnionitis and
preterm-premature birth. The mechanism is related to activation of the innate immune
system. Micro-organisms are recognized by receptors in immune cells, which in turn
elicit the release of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. These cytokines,
elaborated at the maternal–fetal interface, trigger prostaglandin production leading to
uterine contractions, cervical dilatation, membrane rupture and uterine contractions
which further facilitate bacterial entry into the uterine cavity. Intra-amniotic infection (IAI)
contributes to approximately 40% of peripartum febrile illness and is associated
with at least one-third of early-onset neonatal sepsis.
Ureaplasma are the micro-organisms most frequently found in amniotic fluid or
placentae in women who deliver prematurely, either with preterm premature rupture
of membranes or in preterm labor with intact membranes. These organisms have
been isolated in the amniotic fluid as early as the 16th week and can result in a
clinically silent chronic and progressive infection where delivery does not occur for
several weeks.
In addition, M. hominis and Ureaplasma have been detected in the blood of women
with postpartum fever and septic abortion, with M. hominis being more common.
Chorioamniotic colonization with Ureaplasma is associated with increased risk of
post-Cesarean delivery endometritis.
By using our novel kit, we have previously demonstrated that women with intraamniotic
infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum accompanied by elevated levels of antibodies to Ureaplasma, have a significant higher rate of pregnancy complications (preterm delivery,
and low birthweight and fetal death) than those without antibodies to Ureplasma. Thus,
our novel test can serve as a predictive marker for the identification of women who will subsequently have pregnancy complications. For further information please read:
