Identification of a gene in Mycoplasma hominis associated with preterm birth and microbial burden in intraamniotic infection

摘要

OBJECTIVE: Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is associated with spontaneous preterm labor and adverse pregnancy outcome, and Mycoplasma hominis often is present. However, the pathogenic process by which Mycoplasma hominis invades the amniotic cavity and gestational tissues, often resulting in chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, remains unknown. We hypothesized that strains of Mycoplasma hominis vary genetically with regards to their potential to invade and colonize the amniotic cavity and placenta.