As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant
organs and pathways, it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. The microbiota …

In addition to being a passage for sperm, menstruum, and the baby, the human vagina and
its microbiota can influence conception, pregnancy, the mode and timing of delivery, and the …

Background Bacterial cells in the human body account for 1–3% of total body weight and are
at least equal in number to human cells. Recent research has focused on understanding …

Background This study was undertaken to characterize the vaginal microbiota throughout
normal human pregnancy using sequence-based techniques. We compared the vaginal …

Background This study was undertaken to determine whether the vaginal microbiota of
pregnant women who subsequently had a spontaneous preterm delivery is different from …

The implicit paradigm that has governed the study and clinical management of preterm
labour is that term and preterm parturition are the same processes, except for the gestational …

Inflammation has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm and term
parturition, as well as fetal injury. Out of all of the suspected causes of preterm labor and …

Introduction Abnormal vaginal flora (AVF) before 14 gestational weeks is a risk factor for
preterm birth (PTB). The presence of aerobic microorganisms and an inflammatory response …

Background Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity resulting in intra-amniotic infection is
associated with obstetrical complications such as preterm labor with intact or ruptured …

Interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality of preterm birth can be primary (directed
to all women), secondary (aimed at eliminating or reducing existing risk), or tertiary …