Mechanisms, organisms and markers of infection in pregnancy.

Abstract

Premature delivery is still a significant problem in Obstetrics. It has multiple causes, with around 50% thought due to infection. Of note infection as a pathogenesis is more likely in those pre-term births occurring <30 weeks gestation and is largely sub-clinical. Potential pathogens largely arise from the ascending route and from the endogenous vaginal flora, causing chorioamnionitis. Resultant morbidity from the release of endo+/exotoxins from such pathogens, the stimulation and production of inflammatory cytokine pathways, prostaglandins, metalloproteinases includes maternal sepsis (chorioamnionitis, septicaemia, post-partum endometritis), pre-term delivery (infant pre-maturity and its consequences, increased susceptibility to cerebral palsy and neonatal sepsis). As well, infection increases mortality due to fetal loss (extreme pre-maturity) as well as severe neonatal sepsis.

• Authors: Suzanne M Garland, Fiona Ní Chuileannáin, Catherine Satzke, Roy Robins-Browne
• Journal: Journal of reproductive immunology (J Reprod Immunol) 2002 Oct-Nov Vol. 57 Issue 1-2 Pg. 169-83 ISSN: 0165-0378 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 12385841 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers

Topics

• Biomarkers
• Cerebral Palsy (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Obstetric Labor, Premature (etiology, immunology, microbiology, prevention & control)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Infectious (etiology, immunology, microbiology)
• Streptococcal Infections (complications, immunology)
• Streptococcus agalactiae (pathogenicity)
• Trichomonas Vaginitis (complications, immunology)
• Vaginosis, Bacterial (complications, immunology)