Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the maternal lower genital tract colonization by Ureaplasma urealiticum and Mycoplasma hominis in patiens with preterm premature rupture of the membranes.
Design: Retrospective study.
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Faculty Charles University Hradec Králové.
Methods: We studied 150 women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation with preterm premature rupture of the membranes. These patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 1 swabs were obtained for genital mycoplasmas. In both groups 1 and 2 were obtained standard swabs for aerobic and anaerobic cultivation. Control group 3 were women with normal pregnancy.
Results: Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 96% (72/75) of the patients with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and in 32% (24/75) of the patiens of the control group (normal pregnancy).
Conclusion: The maternal lower genital tract colonization by Ureaplasma urealyticum might be associated with preterm premature rupture of the membranes and chorioamniitis.