Maternal Genital Colonization with Ureaplasma urealyticum Promotes Preterm Delivery: Association of the Respiratory Colonization of Premature Infants with Chronic Lung Disease and Increased Mortality

Abstract

Background. Infection of the chorioamnion with Ureaplasma urealyticum has been associated with low birth weight. Respiratory tract colonization in preterm infants has been associated with the development of chronic lung disease (CLD). The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency of colonization of the mother's vagina and the preterm infant's respiratory tract and to associate U. urealyticum with premature birth and with development of CLD in the newborn.