CORRELATION BETWEEN CERVICAL BACTERIAL INFECTION AND PRETERM LABOR

Roua Ibrahim*, Hasan Saleh PhD. and D. Fadi Jaber

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate a correlation between cervical canal infection and preterm labor and to identify most frequent
pathogens. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in obstetrics/gynecology department in Tishreen
university hospital; between April 2023 and May 2024. An examined group included 80 healthy pregnant women
with singleton pregnancy of the gestation age between the 28th and 37th week, with cervical changes that are
related to preterm labor. Changes were detected by ultrasound biometry of cervix and Bishop score. A control
group included 80 healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancy of the gestation age between the 28th and
37th week of pregnancy without signs of preterm labor. Cervical mucus was microbiologically analyzed for
identification of pathogens. Results: The infection in cervical canal was proven in 56 (70%) examinees and 12
(15%) patients from the control group (p=0.001). The most commonly detected pathogen in both groups was
Streptococcus haemoliticus group B. Conclusion: Cervical canal infection is associated with changes on cervix
and premature rupture of fetal membranes, i.e. preterm labor and imminent preterm labor. Screening for infection
before and during pregnancy should be the main task of family doctors as well as gynecologists.

Keywords: Cervicitis, Premature birth, Pregnancy complication.