Cervicovaginal microbial communities deficient in Lactobacillus species are associated with second trimester short cervix.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The cervix functions as a barrier to ascending pathogens in pregnancy. Short cervical length and lack of cervicovaginal Lactobacillus species are risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth; however, whether they interact to increase risk remains unknown.

Objective

We sought to examine the relationship between cervicovaginal microbiota and short cervix as well as their combined impact on spontaneous preterm birth risk.

Study design

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective nested, case-control pregnancy study. Cervical swabs were collected between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. Cervical length was measured per standard clinical care during a clinically indicated ultrasound at approximately 20 weeks of gestation. Cervicovaginal microbiota were analyzed wi

SUBMITTER: Gerson KD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7196011 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature