The relationship of cervical microbiota diversity with race and disparities in preterm birth.

Objective: Pregnant non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) have increased vaginal microbiome diversity compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) which may contribute to increased preterm birth. Cervical microbiome diversity is poorly characterized in pregnancy, therefore our objective was to correlate cervical microbiota diversity with cervico-vaginal inflammation by race and delivery timing.

Study Design: Pregnant women were recruited in the first and second trimesters.

Inflammatory Response of Human Gestational Membranes to Ureaplasma parvum Using a Novel Dual-Chamber Tissue Explant System.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is often associated with intra-amniotic inflammation and infection. Current understanding of the pathogenesis of PPROM includes activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteolytic enzymes leading to compromise of membrane integrity. The impact of exposure to bacterial pathogens, including Ureaplasma parvum, on gestational membranes is poorly understood.