The presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma honinis in umbilical cord and the association with the outcome of premature infant
Objective To evaluate the frequency of the infections with Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma honinis in preterm 23 to 32 week births and the association with the outcomes of new born. Methods One hundred and eighty-seven mother/premature infant dyads with deliveries between 23 and 32 weeks gestational age. Ueaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma honinis and IL-6 were determined by PCR and radioimmunity. Medical information and outcome of newborns were recorded. Results Compared with control group, the incidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma honinis, IL-6 and preterm premature rupture of the fetalmembranes ( PPROM ) were higher in spontaneous group. The PPROM were more common among infants with a positive Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma honinis. Infants with positive cord blood Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma honinis were likely to have neonatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but not significantly different for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Conclusion Infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Mycoplasma honinis may play an important role in the causal pathway for spontaneous preterm labor, and impact the outcome of premature infants. 
 
Key words: 
Premature infant;  Ureaplasma urealyticum;  Mycoplasma honinis;  Preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes