“Microbes might play a role in premature births”

“Microbes might play a role in premature births”-that was the headline in the Los Angeles Times over the weekend which reported the findings of a study at Stanford.  “Using a sensitive molecular technique, researchers found a greater quantity and variety of bacteria in women who gave birth prematurely”.  The amniotic sac and the amniotic fluid are supposed to create a protected environment for the fetus.  So when microbes invade that space, they can cause premature delivery and ultimately, the consequences associated with early delivery – like neurological problems, cerebral palsy, lung diseases and learning disabilities.  One of the most common microbes to cause premature delivery was Leptotrichia (an anaerobic bacterium found in the mouth and the vagina). (Maybe we need to create a new nanobug to communicate this message)  Gum disease and bacterial vaginosis have also been shown to increase the risk.  This “makes the case” for infection prevention in pregnant women and women who might become pregnant and the importance of prenatal care to identify and treat infections.    

This entry was posted on September 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 am. RSS | Back to Blog Homepage.

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