Analysis of Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma Urealyticum Infection in Preterm Labor and PROM Patients

Kim, So Young; Lee, Yun Jung; Meen, Huh; Lee, Sung Ha; Park, In Yang; Ahn, Hyun Young; Moon, Hee Bong; Shin, Jong Chul; Kim, Soo Pyung

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the infection rate and clinical importance of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) in comparison with Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) in association with preterm labor and preterm rupture of membranes.
METHODS
We included 57 women with preterm labor or preterm rupture of membranes admitted at Kangnam St. Mary Hospital, University of Catholic, from March 2002 to April 2003. Mycoscreen kit (Mycoscreen, international microbio, Paris, France) was used for culture of all specimens. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square test (SPSS).
RESULTS
The study subjects included 57 women, 15 of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), 16 of preterm prematurely rupture of membranes (PPROM), and 36 of preterm labor. There were 4 women infected by both M. hominis and U. urealyticum, 21 with single infection by M. hominis, 9 with single infection by U. urealyticum, and 23 with negative results from Mycoscreen test. M. hominis infection was noted on 6 of 15 PROM, 5 of 16 PPROM and 2 of 36 preterm labor. And thus, infection by M. hominis is statistically significant in preterm rupture of membranes group in comparison with preterm group (p=0.038). Among 15 cases with leukocytosis on the Gram stain, 2 cases resulted in bacterial growth on the culture. Therefore, leukocytosis on the Gram stain does not show the infection with M. hominis and U. urealyticum.
CONCLUSION
Mycoplasma screening in prenatal care provides the predictable information on preterm labor or low birth weight, and could be useful in predicting preterm rupture of membranes. It is thought that further studies are needed with a large number of samples.