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Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2020 Jul 29;9(1):119. Epub 2020 Jul 29.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Rochester Regional Health, 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA.

Background: Rat bite fever is a systemic febrile illness caused by infection with the Gram-negative bacillus Streptobacillus moniliformis following a bite, scratch, or contact with excrement. Only 26 cases of native valve endocarditis have been reported to date. We could find no other reports of severe Streptobacillus endocarditis requiring valve replacement in a young, pregnant patient. Read More

Infect Immun 2020 Jul 20. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

Stealthy intracellular bacterial pathogens are known to establish persistent and sometimes life-long infections. Some of these pathogens also have a tropism for the reproductive system thereby increasing the risk of reproductive disease and infertility. To date, the pathogenic mechanism involved remains poorly understood. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2020 Jul 16;13(7). Epub 2020 Jul 16.

Maternal Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.

The clinical implications of COVID-19 in pregnancy remain unknown. While preliminary reports demonstrate that pregnant patients have a similar symptomatic presentation to the general population, the appropriate management and timing of delivery in these patients is still unclear, as pregnancy may impose additional risk factors and impede recovery in gravid patients. In this brief report, we present a case of COVID-19 in a pregnant patient with severe respiratory compromise, whose clinical status significantly improved after caesarean delivery. Read More

Front Immunol 2020 20;11:981. Epub 2020 May 20.

Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense, Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Facilitated subcutaneous immunoglobulin (fSCIG) replacement therapy is the latest method of IgG administration; however, real-life data are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the everyday experience of fSCIG administration, particularly, the method used to switch from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) to fSCIG and the dosing modifications required. Of the 39 adult patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) who received fSCIG, 34 remained on the therapy at the end of the study. Read More

Biol Res Nurs 2020 Jul 15:1099800420940788. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Columbia University, NY, USA.

This manuscript considers intravaginal practices prevalent among African and African-American women, with the aim of providing a framework for how these practices may affect vaginal health and the vaginal microbiota, and consequently, impact pregnancy outcomes. Intravaginal practices are influenced by traditional socio-cultural beliefs and gender norms, with prominent practices including intravaginal insertion of substances (herbs and traditional medicines), intravaginal cleansing (douching), and anatomical modification of the female organs (labia elongation and female genital mutilation). Common motivations for such practices included hygiene, prevention of infection, enhancement of sexual pleasure, and compliance with societal or cultural norms. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020 Jul 8;20(1):394. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

Department Of Reproductive Medicine Center, Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Renmin Hospital Of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.

Background: Compared with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19) spread more rapidly and widely. The population was generally susceptible. However, reports on pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 were very limited. Read More

Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020 19;10:303. Epub 2020 Jun 19.

Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.

Pregnancy outcomes and women's health are directly affected by vaginal microbiota. This microbiota consists of a dynamic ecosystem of various microbes in different ratios, which in healthy conditions protect the vaginal epithelium from infections. However, cases of vaginal infection are regularly diagnosed in women of reproductive age, contributing to more severe outcomes. Read More

Vaccines (Basel) 2020 Jul 2;8(3). Epub 2020 Jul 2.

Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.

() infections are the most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted disease, and they can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Despite these detrimental long-term sequelae, a vaccine is not available. Success in preclinical animal studies is essential for vaccines to move to human clinical trials. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 Jul;99(27):e20959

Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital.

Background: Infection is a serious potential consequence of surgery to complete a spontaneous abortion. Antibiotic prophylaxis before some operations has been shown to reduce the risk of postoperative infections. However, for miscarriage surgery, evidence is lacking to show effectiveness. Read More

Front Public Health 2020 16;8:225. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Reproductive Medicine, Nova IVF Fertility, Ahmedabad, India.

The microbiome of the female genital tract may undergo changes in pregnancy due to metabolic, endocrinological, and immunological alterations. These dysbiotic states may cause infections which may ascend upwards to the feto-placental unit or may be seeded hematogenously. These low grade and often low virulent infectious states lead to chronic inflammatory states and maybe associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcome. Read More

mBio 2020 06 23;11(3). Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA

Intra-amniotic infection is strongly associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Most intra-amniotic infections are due to species; however, the pathogenic potency of these genital mycoplasmas to induce preterm birth is still controversial. Here, we first laid out a taxonomic characterization of isolates from women with intra-amniotic infection, which revealed that is the most common bacterium found in this clinical condition. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020 Jun 23:1-6. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

Federal State Funded Educational Institution for Higher Education Omsk State Medical University, Ministry of Public Health, Russian Federation.

Pregnant women with chronic genital and non-genital infections are at a high risk of infections complication during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of obstetric and neonatal complications and occurs in one in nine women. Forty per cent of preterm births are considered to be caused by the abnormal vaginal microbiome, and there is currently no consensus on the contribution of combined bacterial and viral infections. Read More

Cureus 2020 Jun 16;12(6):e8648. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, CMR.

Background , a facultative aero-anaerobic Gram-positive coccus typically considered normal flora in the human gastrointestinal tract, have increasingly become a major cause of healthcare-associated infections over the past decade. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in immune factors in pregnant women colonized by in the town of Bafang, West Region of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried in antenatal care unit in various health center in Bafang. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 Jun;99(25):e20732

Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, responsible pathogens, and antibiotic sensitivity of aerobic vaginitis (AV) infection in women in late pregnancy in western China.We enrolled 246 pregnancy with AV (≥35 weeks gestation) and 204 reproductive non-pregnancy with AV from West China between January 2019 and December 2019. Then, bacterial culture, identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed. Read More

Infect Drug Resist 2020 18;13:1465-1477. Epub 2020 May 18.

Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, 1871, Ethiopia.

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the most common health problems during pregnancy. It is most commonly reported among pregnant women and is a known reason of morbidity during pregnancy worldwide, predominantly in developing countries. The etiological agents include and others. Read More

J Leukoc Biol 2020 Jul 12;108(1):419-426. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Aix-Marseille University, MEPHI, IRD, APHM, Marseille, France.

IFN-γ plays a critical role in the immune response to bacterial infections. It is established that IFN-γ is mainly produced by NK/ILC1 cells and T cells, and most of papers have rejected the biologic reality of alternative sources for more than 20 years. Here, we are proposing to revisit this dogma and discuss the role of macrophage-derived IFN-γ in bacterial infections. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2020 Jun 12:e13824. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Dermatology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.

Topical antibiotic therapy is a central component of patient management for several skin conditions, including acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, rosacea, impetigo or other superinfected dermatitis, and prevention of wound infections. Moreover, particular situations, such as skin diseases of bacterial origin in pregnancy and infants often warrant topical therapy. However, the occurrence of local delayed hypersensitivity reactions and the rising rate of antibiotic resistance are becoming great challenges faced by many dermatologists today. Read More

J Clin Microbiol 2020 Jun 10. Epub 2020 Jun 10.

Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322.

The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG) are often asymptomatic in women and undetected by syndromic management, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Molecular testing, such as the GeneXpert CT/NG assay, is highly sensitive, but cost restraints preclude implementation of these technologies in resource-limited settings. Pooled testing is one strategy to reduce the cost-per-sample, but the extent of savings depends on disease prevalence. Read More

Natl Vital Stat Rep 2020 Mar;69(3):1-11

Objectives-This report presents data on recent trends for three sexually transmitted infections (STIs)-chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis-reported among women giving birth in the United States from 2016 through 2018, and rates by selected characteristics for 2018. Methods-Data are from birth certificates and are based on 100% of births registered in the United States for 2016, 2017, and 2018. Birth certificate data on infections during pregnancy are recommended to be collected from the mother's medical records (1). Read More

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 Jun 5;69(22):661-665. Epub 2020 Jun 5.

Congenital syphilis is an infection with Treponema pallidum in an infant or fetus, acquired during pregnancy from a mother with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis. Congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death, and infected infants can experience lifelong physical and neurologic problems. Although timely identification and treatment of maternal syphilis during pregnancy can prevent congenital syphilis (1,2), the number of reported congenital syphilis cases in the United States increased 261% during 2013-2018, from 362 to 1,306. Read More

Trials 2020 Jun 3;21(1):470. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.

Objectives: SARS-CoV2 infection leads to a concomitant pulmonary inflammation. This inflammation is supposed to be the main driver in the pathogenesis of lung failure (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) in COVID-19. Objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single dose treatment with Tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19. Read More

Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020 Jun 3;19(1):25. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box: 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Above 80% of urinary tract infections are caused by enteric bacteria, which are known for years by their drug-resistant ability. Though the prevalence of drug-resistant strains is increasing in the world, it is not well known in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Multi-drug resistance, Extended-spectrum β-lactamases production, and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia. Read More

Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020 Jun;66(3):151-169

Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Histopathology, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso , Barra Do Garcas, Brazil.

The placenta works as a selective barrier, protecting the fetus from potential infections that may affect the maternal organism during pregnancy. In this review, we will discuss several challenging infections that are common within Latin American countries and that may affect the maternal-fetal interface and pose risks to fetal development. Specifically, we will focus on emerging infectious diseases including the arboviruses, malaria, leishmaniasis, and the bacterial foodborne disease caused by Shiga toxin-producing . Read More

Equine Vet J 2020 Jun 1. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA.

Background: Recent studies have shown that fluoroquinolones, specifically, enrofloxacin and its active metabolite (ciprofloxacin), cross the equine placenta without causing gross or histological lesions in the first and third trimester fetuses or resulting foal. However, it is possible that in utero exposure to fluoroquinolones may cause subtle lesions not detectable by standard means; thus, a more in-depth assessment of potential toxicity is warranted.

Objectives: To use quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), biomechanical testing, and chondrocyte gene expression to evaluate the limbs of foals exposed to enrofloxacin during the third trimester of pregnancy. Read More

Am Heart J 2020 07 25;225:69-77. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a neglected disease affecting 33 million people, mainly in low and middle income countries. Yet very few large trials or registries have been conducted in this population. The INVICTUS program of research in RHD consists of a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) of 4500 patients comparing rivaroxaban with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with RHD and atrial fibrillation (AF), a registry of 17,000 patients to document the contemporary clinical course of patients with RHD, including a focused sub-study on pregnant women with RHD within the registry. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020 05 28;14(5):e0008078. Epub 2020 May 28.

Asociación para el Desarrollo Sanitario Regional (ADESAR), San Antonio de Areco, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Medicina (B Aires) 2020 ;80(3):229-240

Sociedad Argentina de Infectología, Argentina.

The Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases and other scientific societies have updated these recommendations based on data on urinary tract infections in adults obtained from a prospective multicenter study conducted in Argentina during 2016-2017. Asymptomatic bacteriuria should be treated only in pregnant women, who should also be systematically investigated; the antibiotics of choice are nitrofurantoin, amoxicillin, clavulanic/amoxicillin, cephalexin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In procedures involving injury to the urinary tract with bleeding, it is recommended to request urine culture and, in the presence of bacteriuria, antimicrobial treatment according to sensitivity should be prescribed from immediately before up to 24 hours after the intervention. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2020 May;70(Supplement_1):S30-S36

Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research and Prevention Branch, Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Background: Yersinia pestis continues to cause sporadic cases and outbreaks of plague worldwide and is considered a tier 1 bioterrorism select agent due to its potential for intentional use. Knowledge about the clinical manifestations of plague during pregnancy, specifically the maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks, is very limited.

Methods: We searched 12 literature databases, performed hand searches, and consulted plague experts to identify publications on plague during pregnancy. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2020 May;70(Supplement_1):S27-S29

Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

Pregnant women are an important at-risk population to consider during public health emergencies. These women, like nonpregnant adults, may be faced with the risk of acquiring life-threatening infections during outbreaks or bioterrorism (BT) events and, in some cases, can experience increased severity of infection and higher morbidity compared with nonpregnant adults. Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, is a highly pathogenic organism. Read More

Parasitol Res 2020 Jun 14;119(6):1915-1923. Epub 2020 May 14.

Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Trichomoniasis is the most prevalent curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide and a risk factor for the acquisition of other STIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis and related coinfections in women attending a third-level hospital of Madrid (Spain). Read More

Children (Basel) 2020 May 11;7(5). Epub 2020 May 11.

COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Alle 34, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.

: Pathogenic airway bacteria colonizing the neonatal airway increase the risk of childhood asthma, but little is known about the determinants of the establishment and dynamics of the airway microbiota in early life. We studied associations between perinatal risk factors and bacterial richness of the commensal milieu in the neonatal respiratory tract. : Three hundred and twenty-eight children from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in the Childhood2000 (COPSAC2000) at-risk birth cohort were included in this study. Read More

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2020 Mar;45(3):338-344

Depatment of Gastroenterology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013

() is a Gram-negative microaerobic bacterium, which is parasitic on gastric mucosa and is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastric cancer and other gastric diseases. Meanwhile, the infection is related with pregnancy-related diseases, pregnancy outcomes, and the health status of offspring, such as infertility, premature delivery, abortion, infection of newborn and neural tube defects. infection is also related to hyperemesis of pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, iron deficiency anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Read More

PLoS One 2020 8;15(5):e0232710. Epub 2020 May 8.

Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States of America.

With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, uncovering the molecular epidemiology is critical for understanding what is driving this crisis. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of plasmid-mediated-quinolone-resistance (PMQR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) producing gram-negative organisms among primigravid women with bacteriuria. We collected urine specimens from primigravid women attending their first antenatal visit at Gandhi Hospital during October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016. Read More

Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2020 21;2020:9681632. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia.

Pregnant women are usually at risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as asymptomatic bacteriuria. In the current multidrug-resistance era, appropriate diagnosis and treatment should be provided to avoid complications in pregnant women in developing countries, which have limited facilities, such as Indonesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro susceptibility tests. Read More

Pregnancy Hypertens 2020 Apr 28;21:30-34. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Objective: We evaluated the association between maternal preeclampsia and long-term infectious morbidity of the offspring.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed, evaluating risk of long-term infectious morbidity in children born to women with and without preeclampsia between the years 1991-2014. Infectious morbidity included hospitalizations of offspring during childhood. Read More

PLoS One 2020 4;15(5):e0231168. Epub 2020 May 4.

Beijing Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Nutrition, Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens causing mastitis in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to establish a rat model of mastitis induced by S. aureus infection and to explore changes in the proteomes of mammary tissue in different udder states, providing a better understanding of the host immune response to S. Read More

Braz J Infect Dis 2020 Mar - Apr;24(2):110-119. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Departamento de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition in women. There is an increased concern on reduction of bacterial susceptibility resulting from wrongly prescribing antimicrobials. This paper summarizes the recommendations of four Brazilian medical societies (SBI - Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, FEBRASGO - Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations, SBU - Brazilian Society of Urology, and SBPC/ML - Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine) on the management of urinary tract infection in women. Read More

PLoS One 2020 30;15(4):e0232023. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Myelin Maintenance and Peripheral Neuropathies, EA6309, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.

Introduction: Intestinal atresia is a rare congenital affliction that is often associated with severe bacterial infections despite adequate neonatal surgery. Previous studies have focused on enteric nervous system variations. We hypothesized that epithelial systems (ES) may also be involved in the pathophysiology of postnatal disorders. Read More

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 May 1;69(17):515-520. Epub 2020 May 1.

Maternal and neonatal tetanus* (MNT) remains a major public health problem, with an 80%-100% case-fatality rate among neonates, especially in areas with poor immunization coverage and limited access to clean deliveries (i.e., delivery in a health facility or assisted by medically trained attendants in sanitary conditions) and umbilical cord care (1). Read More

Am J Perinatol 2020 Jun 24;37(8):866-868. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina.

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection occurring during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. This case report describes successful treatment of preterm labor during acute COVID-19 infection. Standard treatment for preterm labor may allow patients with acute COVID-19 infection to recover without the need for preterm delivery. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2020 Apr 22;20(1):302. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Background: Estimates of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease burden, antimicrobial susceptibility, and serotypes in pregnant women are limited for many resource-limited countries including Kenya. These data are required to inform recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of infections due to GBS.

Methods: We evaluated the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, serotypes, and risk factors associated with rectovaginal GBS colonization among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) between August and November 2017. Read More

Rinsho Biseibutshu Jinsoku Shindan Kenkyukai Shi 2020 Apr;29(2):53-58

Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ehime University Hospital. Department of Infection Control Team, Ehime University Hospital.

Objective: usually colonizes the lower urogenital tract and has been occasionally associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum fever, preterm labor in pregnant females. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and antimicrobial susceptibilities of isolated from the urogenital tracts of pregnant females.

Methods: Specimens were obtained from the urogenital tract of pregnant females at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University Hospital, between November 2014 and December 2017. Read More

PLoS One 2020 17;15(4):e0231798. Epub 2020 Apr 17.

Child Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Objective: To describe antibiotic prescription rates for Australian Aboriginal children aged <2 years living in three remote Northern Territory communities.

Design: A retrospective cohort study using electronic health records.

Setting: Three primary health care centres located in the Katherine East region. Read More

Front Microbiol 2020 31;11:551. Epub 2020 Mar 31.

Bio-Sciences R&D Division, TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services, Pune, India.

Functional equilibrium between vaginal microbiota and the host is important for maintaining gynecological and reproductive health. Apart from host genetics, infections, changes in diet, life-style and hygiene status are known to affect this delicate state of equilibrium. More importantly, the gonadal hormones strongly influence the overall structure and function of vaginal microbiota. Read More

Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2020 Mar;41(3):337-342

Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission, Fudan University Shanghai 200032, China.

To assess the health status and health service utilization of children born to syphilis infected mothers during pregnancy, in order to prevent mother-to-child transmission of syphilis to the newborns. Women with maternal syphilis were studied by trained researchers via phone calls, in Shanghai during 2014-2015. Data related to demographics, status of infection and health care, utilization by both mothers and their children were collected through specifically designed questionnaires. Read More

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2020 04;60(2):E4

Department of Neonatal Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

J Reprod Immunol 2020 Aug 8;140:103126. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. Electronic address:

The maternal-fetal interface possesses innate immune strategies to protect against infections. We previously reported that prior viral infection of human fetal membranes (FMs) in vitro and mouse FMs in vivo sensitized the tissue to low dose bacterial LPS leading to augmented inflammation. The objective of this study was to examine FM production of type I interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the context of this polymicrobial model. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2020 May;135(5):1136-1144

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and the Emory University School of Medicine, and the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, and the Division of Family Planning, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.

Objective: To identify factors associated with testing for and diagnosis of trichomoniasis in pregnancy and to describe patterns of treatment and tests of reinfection or persistence.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered from July 2016 to June 2018 at one institution. Testing for Trichomonas vaginalis infection was done by wet mount microscopy or by nucleic acid amplification testing for routine prenatal testing or symptomatic visits. Read More

J Glob Health 2020 Jun;10(1):010504

World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Background: Countdown to 2030 (CD2030) tracks progress in the 81 countries that account for more than 90% of under-five child deaths and 95% of maternal deaths in the world. In 2017, CD2030 identified syphilis screening and treatment during antenatal care (ANC) as priority indicators for monitoring.

Methods: Country-reported data in the UNAIDS Global AIDS Monitoring System (GAM) system were used to evaluate four key syphilis indicators from CD2030 countries: (1) maternal syphilis screening and (2) treatment coverage during ANC, (3) syphilis seroprevalence among ANC attendees, and (4) national congenital syphilis (CS) case rates. Read More

Parasite Immunol 2020 Apr 11:e12721. Epub 2020 Apr 11.

Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Both maternal microbiota and helminth infection may alter offspring immunity but the relationship between these is underexplored. We hypothesized that maternal helminth exposure prior to pregnancy has lasting consequences on offspring intestinal microbiota and consequent immunity. Female BALB/c adult mice were infected with 500L3 Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N brasiliensis). Read More