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Cervical epithelial damage promotes Ureaplasma parvum ascending infection, intrauterine inflammation and preterm birth induction in mice

Author

Listed:
  • Ioannis Pavlidis

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Owen B. Spiller

    (Cardiff University)

  • Gabriella Sammut Demarco

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Heather MacPherson

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Sarah E. M. Howie

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Jane E. Norman

    (University of Bristol)

  • Sarah J. Stock

    (University of Edinburgh
    NINE Edinburgh BioQuarter)

Abstract

Around 40% of preterm births are attributed to ascending intrauterine infection, and Ureaplasma parvum (UP) is commonly isolated in these cases. Here we present a mouse model of ascending UP infection that resembles human disease, using vaginal inoculation combined with mild cervical injury induced by a common spermicide (Nonoxynol-9, as a surrogate for any mechanism of cervical epithelial damage). We measure bacterial load in a non-invasive manner using a luciferase-expressing UP strain, and post-mortem by qPCR and bacterial titration. Cervical exposure to Nonoxynol-9, 24 h pre-inoculation, facilitates intrauterine UP infection, upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increases preterm birth rates from 13 to 28%. Our results highlight the crucial role of the cervical epithelium as a barrier against ascending infection. In addition, we expect the mouse model will facilitate further research on the potential links between UP infection and preterm birth.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioannis Pavlidis & Owen B. Spiller & Gabriella Sammut Demarco & Heather MacPherson & Sarah E. M. Howie & Jane E. Norman & Sarah J. Stock, 2020. "Cervical epithelial damage promotes Ureaplasma parvum ascending infection, intrauterine inflammation and preterm birth induction in mice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-14089-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14089-y
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