Bacterial vaginosis and other asymptomatic vaginal infections in pregnancy
Carey, J.C.; Klebanoff, M.A.
Current Women's Health Reports 1(1): 14-19
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1534-5874 PMID: 12112946 Document Number: 539818
Preterm birth is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Many asymptomatic genital infections have been associated with preterm birth, but attempts to determine a causal relationship between specific infections and preterm birth have been disappointing. Treatment trials of specific infections have generally failed to show a positive effect, and in some trials have shown a deleterious effect. Although there is a strong association between the presence of bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis in pregnancy and preterm birth, randomized treatment trials have failed to show a benefit of treatment of these organisms. Treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis or T. vaginalis to prevent preterm birth is not warranted.