Objective: We sought to determine whether there is an association between bacterial load of genital mycoplasmas and histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Study design: A total of 103 women with PPROM between 24-36 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Amniocenteses were performed, and the amounts of target genital mycoplasma DNA in amniotic fluid samples were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The bacterial load of the genital mycoplasmas was relatively assessed using the threshold cycle value.
Results: The presence of genital mycoplasmas in amniotic fluid was found in 38% (39/103) of the women. The presence of HCA was associated with lower threshold cycle values (median 21.3, interquartile range, 16.5-28.5, vs median 29.4, interquartile range, 27.0-30.5; P = .005).
Conclusion: HCA in PPROM is associated with a higher bacterial load of genital mycoplasmas.
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