Abstract
Preterm parturition is a one of the most significant global maternal-child health
problem. In recent years, there has been an explosion in reports on a role for microbiomes
(i.e., a microbial biomass) on a plethora of physiologic and pathologic human conditions.
This review aims to describe our current understanding of the microbiome and its impact
on parturition, with particular emphasis on preterm birth. We will focus on the roles
of vaginal and oral mucosal microbiomes in premature parturition and describe the
state-of-the-art methodologies used in microbiome studies. Next, we will present new
studies on a potential microbiome in the placenta and how it may affect pregnancy
outcomes. Finally, we will propose that host genetic factors can perturb the normal
“pregnancy microbiome” and trigger adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Keywords
pregnancy - microbiome - preterm birth - parturition - bacteria
