Preterm premature rupture of the membranes and genital mycoplasmas

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cervical colonization by genital mycoplasmas in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).

Method: We studied 225 women between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation with PPROM. Cervical swabs were obtained for genital mycoplasmas and standard vaginal smears of bacterial culture were performed at the time of patients' admission. In the control group were 225 women with a normal pregnancy.

Results: Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 68% (152/225) and Mycoplasma hominis was detected in 28% (63/225) of the patients with PPROM between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation and. In the control group Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in 17% (38/225) and Mycoplasma hominis in 15% (35/225) pregnant women.

Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of an association between cervical colonization with genital mycoplasmas and preterm premature rupture of the membranes.