Development and evaluation of different laboratory tools for the study of the pathogenic potential of Ureaplasma species in pregnancy.

Ureaplasma species are present in 40-80% of sexually mature women as a commensal in the lower genital tract. In some cases Ureaplasma infection can cause adverse pregnancy outcome. Much controversy remains about the role of Ureaplasma spp. in reproductive disorders. The high degree of colonisation without complications hampers the research for pathogenic effects. The aim of this study was to search for cofactors important in pathogenicity and to develop laboratory methods that could be used in Ureaplasma pathogenicity studies. Recombinant antigens of Ureaplasma parvum serotypes 3 and 6 were produced in order to study the maternal antibody response against Ureaplasma, a marker to be used in future studies on the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome. We found that the presence an abnormal vaginal flora could act as a cofactor for the pathogenic effect of Ureaplasma in preterm delivery. Using a realtime PCR enabling species differentiation, we found a relation between an abnormal vaginal flora and Ureaplasma urealyticum, indicating a possible higher pathogenic potential as compared to Ureaplasma parvum. Ureaplasma colonisation was shown to be constant along the pregnancy and vaginal samples have the highest detection rate compared to other genital sampling sites. Additional studies are necessary to determine the best parameters for the prediction of women with a high risk on adverse pregnancy outcome due to Ureaplasma infection.

Jaar van publicatie:2016

Trefwoorden:Ureaplasma