Mycoplasma hominis in maternal and fetal infections

Abstract

Although prevalence of M. hominis colonization during pregnancy varies from 12-50%, its role in infections of the mother and newborn infants is unclear. Definite correlations exist with chorioamnionitis and amniotic fluid infections, but as it is rarely isolated alone during these infections, its pathogenic role is uncertain. Its association with septic abortion is similarly questioned. Prevalence and antibody titers to M. hominis increase with increasing parity. Transient bacteremia occurs in approximately 2.5% of normal deliveries. M. hominis does have a significant role in postpartum fever. Women harboring the organism during labor with low predelivery antibody titers are at risk. Approximately 30% of exposed infants are colonized (4% of all infants) but there are only a few reports of neonatal meningitis, pneumonia, or skin abscesses due to M. hominis. Most recover without specific therapy. The role of antimicrobial therapy of M. hominis in pregnancy and the neonatal period is unclear. Further studies of these issues should simultaneously consider all potential genital tract pathogens.