Is there a role for probiotics in the prevention of preterm birth?

Authors

Siwen Yang, University of Toronto
Gregor Reid, The University of Western Ontario
John R.G. Challis, University of Toronto
Sung O. Kim, The University of Western Ontario
Gregory B. Gloor, The University of Western Ontario
Alan D. Bocking, University of Toronto

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology

Volume

6

Issue

FEB

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.3389/fimmu.2015.00062

Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB) continues to be a global health challenge. An over-production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as an altered maternal vaginal microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation/infection-associated PTB. Lactobacillus represents the dominant species in the vagina of most healthy pregnant women. The depletion of Lactobacillus in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with an increased risk of PTB. It remains unknown at what point an aberrant vaginal microbiome composition specifically induces the cascade leading to PTB. The ability of oral or vaginal lactobacilli probiotics to reduce BV occurrence and/or dampen inflammation is being considered as a means to prevent PTB. Certain anti-inflammatory properties of lactobacilli suggest potential mechanisms. To date, clinical studies have not been powered with sufficiently high rates of PTB, but overall, there is merit in examining this promising area of clinical science.