The Role of Ureaplasma Species in Prenatal and Postnatal Morbidity of Preterm Infants: Current Concepts.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Neonatal inflammation Neonatal morbidity Preterm infant Ureaplasma species

Journal

Neonatology
ISSN: 1661-7819
Titre abrégé: Neonatology
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 101286577

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
27 Jun 2024
Historique:
received: 07 04 2024
accepted: 29 05 2024
medline: 27 6 2024
pubmed: 27 6 2024
entrez: 27 6 2024
Statut: aheadofprint

Résumé

Ureaplasma species are considered commensals of the adult urogenital tract. Yet, in pregnancy, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been associated with chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. In preterm infants, Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization has been correlated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other complications of prematurity. Controversies on the impact of Ureaplasma exposure on neonatal morbidity, however, remain, and recommendations for screening practices and therapeutic management in preterm infants are missing. In this review, we outline clinical and experimental evidence of Ureaplasma-driven fetal and neonatal morbidity, critically examining inconsistencies across some of the existing studies. We explore underlying mechanisms of Ureaplasma-associated neonatal morbidity and discuss gaps in the current understanding including the interplay between Ureaplasma and the maternal urogenital tract and the preterm airway microbiome. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of adequate diagnostics and review the potential efficacy of anti-infective therapies. There is strong evidence that perinatal Ureaplasma exposure is causally related to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and there are conclusive data of the role of Ureaplasma in the pathogenesis of neonatal central nervous system infection. Observational and experimental findings indicate immunomodulatory capacities that might promote an increased risk of secondary infections. The burden of Ureaplasma exposure is inversely related to gestational age - leaving the tiniest babies at highest risk. A better knowledge of contributing pathogen and host factors and modulating conditions remains paramount to define screening and treatment recommendations allowing early intervention in preterm infants at risk.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
Ureaplasma species are considered commensals of the adult urogenital tract. Yet, in pregnancy, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been associated with chorioamnionitis and preterm birth. In preterm infants, Ureaplasma respiratory tract colonization has been correlated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other complications of prematurity. Controversies on the impact of Ureaplasma exposure on neonatal morbidity, however, remain, and recommendations for screening practices and therapeutic management in preterm infants are missing.
SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS
In this review, we outline clinical and experimental evidence of Ureaplasma-driven fetal and neonatal morbidity, critically examining inconsistencies across some of the existing studies. We explore underlying mechanisms of Ureaplasma-associated neonatal morbidity and discuss gaps in the current understanding including the interplay between Ureaplasma and the maternal urogenital tract and the preterm airway microbiome. Ultimately, we highlight the importance of adequate diagnostics and review the potential efficacy of anti-infective therapies.
KEY MESSAGES CONCLUSIONS
There is strong evidence that perinatal Ureaplasma exposure is causally related to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and there are conclusive data of the role of Ureaplasma in the pathogenesis of neonatal central nervous system infection. Observational and experimental findings indicate immunomodulatory capacities that might promote an increased risk of secondary infections. The burden of Ureaplasma exposure is inversely related to gestational age - leaving the tiniest babies at highest risk. A better knowledge of contributing pathogen and host factors and modulating conditions remains paramount to define screening and treatment recommendations allowing early intervention in preterm infants at risk.

Identifiants

pubmed: 38934167
pii: 000539613
doi: 10.1159/000539613
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article Review

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Pagination

1-9

Informations de copyright

© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Auteurs

Christine Silwedel (C)

Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

Mandy Laube (M)

Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.

Christian P Speer (CP)

Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

Kirsten Glaser (K)

Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.

Classifications MeSH