Intrauterine colonization with Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris induces maternal inflammation but not preterm birth in a mouse model.

ABSTRACT:

Problem

Preterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of childhood mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that the risk of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) is increased in individuals with Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbial communities. One proposed mechanism is that vaginal microbes ascend through the cervix, colonize the uterus, and activate inflammatory pathways leading to sPTB. This study assessed whether intrauterine colonization with either Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris alone is sufficient to induce maternal-fetal inflammation and induce sPTB.

Method of study

C56/B6J mice, on embryonic day 15, received intrauterine inoculation of saline or 10⁸ colony-forming units of G. vaginalis (n = 30), M. mulieris (n = 17), or Lactobacillus crispatus (n = 16).

SUBMITTER: Joseph A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11423284 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature