Maternal Infection and Preterm Birth: From Molecular Basis to Clinical Implications

• Main Authors: George Daskalakis (Author), Alexandros Psarris (Author), Antonios Koutras (Author), Zacharias Fasoulakis (Author), Ioannis Prokopakis (Author), Antonia Varthaliti (Author), Christina Karasmani (Author), Thomas Ntounis (Author), Ekaterini Domali (Author), Marianna Theodora (Author), Panos Antsaklis (Author), Kalliopi I. Pappa (Author), Angeliki Papapanagiotou (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to analyze the connection between infections and premature birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The overproduction of prostaglandins caused by the inflammation associated with an infection could lead to uterine contractions, contributing to preterm delivery. Many pathogens, particularly <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i>, <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>, <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, <i>Gardnerella vaginalis</i>, <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i>, <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i>, <i>Actinomyces</i>, <i>Candida</i> spp., and <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. have been related with premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis of the neonate. Further research regarding the prevention of preterm delivery is required in order to develop effective preventive methods with the aim of reducing neonatal morbidity.

Item Description

10.3390/children10050907
2227-9067