Vaginal Microbiome in Preterm Rupture of Membranes

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;47(4):503-521. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2020.08.001.

Abstract

There is an association between vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). In PPROM, reduced Lactobacillus spp abundance is linked to the emergence of high-risk vaginal microbiota, close to the time of membrane rupture. Although PPROM itself can change vaginal microbial composition, antibiotic therapy profoundly effects community structure. Erythromycin may have a beneficial effect in women deplete in Lactobacillus spp but damages a healthy microbiome by targeting Lactobacillus spp. Increased rates of chorioamnionitis and early-onset neonatal sepsis are associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis close to the time of delivery.

Keywords: Inflammation; Membranes; PPROM; Preterm birth; Vaginal microbiome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chorioamnionitis / epidemiology
  • Dysbiosis / epidemiology
  • Erythromycin / adverse effects
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / epidemiology*
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / microbiology
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lactobacillus / isolation & purification
  • Microbiota*
  • Neonatal Sepsis / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vagina / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Erythromycin

Supplementary concepts

  • Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes