Infection and preterm birth. Issue 2 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nadeau, Hugh C.G.; Subramaniam, Akila; Andrews, William W.
• Is Part Of: Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 21:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Premature birth -- Vaginosis -- Sexually transmitted diseases -- Reproductive tract infections -- Microbiome -- Metabolome; Neonatology -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.9201
• DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2015.12.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-165X

Abstract

Summary: Preterm birth (PTB) remains a primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this article is to outline the association between infection and PTB. We performed a search of the PubMed database for relevant scientific work published in English from 1995 to July 2015. Whereas there is substantial evidence regarding infection as a strong risk factor for preterm birth, the role of specific bacterial and viral infections is not totally conclusive. Newer high-dimensional biological technologies such as microbiomics and metabolomics offer hope to identify the causative pathogens. In addition, strategies have been developed to reduce PTB.