The microbial load with genital mycoplasmas correlates with the degree of histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm PROM

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine whether there is an association between bacterial load of genital mycoplasmas and histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Study design: A total of 103 women with PPROM between 24-36 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Amniocenteses were performed, and the amounts of target genital mycoplasma DNA in amniotic fluid samples were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The bacterial load of the genital mycoplasmas was relatively assessed using the threshold cycle value.

Results: The presence of genital mycoplasmas in amniotic fluid was found in 38% (39/103) of the women. The presence of HCA was associated with lower threshold cycle values (median 21.3, interquartile range, 16.5-28.5, vs median 29.4, interquartile range, 27.0-30.5; P = .005).

Conclusion: HCA in PPROM is associated with a higher bacterial load of genital mycoplasmas.