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Review
. 2020 Aug;42(4):487-499.
doi: 10.1007/s00281-020-00817-w. Epub 2020 Aug 14.

The pregnancy microbiome and preterm birth

Erna Bayar  1 , Phillip R Bennett  2   3 , Denise Chan  1 , Lynne Sykes  1   4 , David A MacIntyre  1   4
Affiliations
Review

The pregnancy microbiome and preterm birth

Erna Bayar et al. Semin Immunopathol. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Preterm birth is a global health concern and continues to contribute to substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality despite advances in obstetric and neonatal care. The underlying aetiology is multi-factorial and remains incompletely understood. In this review, the complex interplay between the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy and its association with preterm birth is discussed in depth. Advances in the study of bacteriology and an improved understanding of the human microbiome have seen an improved awareness of the vaginal microbiota in both health and in disease.

Keywords: Lactobacillus; Pregnancy; Preterm birth; Vaginal microbiome.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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