The effect of pathogens in the vaginal flora on preterm birth in pregnant women with short cervical length.

Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of pathogens in the vaginal flora on preterm birth in pregnant women with short cervical length.

Material and methods: In our study, 418 patients with asymptomatic cervical shortening in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data such as age, cervical length measurement, gestational age at hospital admission and delivery, and vaginal microbiological findings were evaluated for all patients.

Results: The bacterial spectrum in the vagina revealed seven different bacterial taxa. The most common bacteria were Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma spp. However, cases of Ureaplasma spp., Mycoplasma spp. and E.Coli taxa were also detected together. In 418 patients included, bacterial colonization was seen in 283 and not in 135. In women who delivered preterm before and after 34 weeks, the most common bacteria was Ureaplasma spp. However, the prevalence of these bacterial taxa was not significantly different between those who delivered preterm and those who did not.

Conclusions: Our study provides a general idea about vaginal bacterial colonization and its possible effects in pregnant women with short cervical length. The clinical significance of vaginal bacterial colonization on preterm labor remains unclear and up-to-date.