Microbiota of Cervical Canal in Nine Patients Diagnosed with Ectopic Pregnancy: Case Series

Dysbiosis, or an altered microbiota composition, has been implicated in chronic endometrial inflammation and recurrent implantation failure. Despite growing research on the relationship between the genital microbiome and reproductive health, few studies have examined its role in ectopic pregnancy. T...

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Main Authors: Kinga Bednarek, Katarzyna Wszołek, Monika Szewc, Mirosława Gałęcka, Adrian Mruczyński, Alan Bruszewski, Marcin Wierzchowski, Maciej Wilczak, Karolina Chmaj-Wierzchowska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/6/949
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Summary:Dysbiosis, or an altered microbiota composition, has been implicated in chronic endometrial inflammation and recurrent implantation failure. Despite growing research on the relationship between the genital microbiome and reproductive health, few studies have examined its role in ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, our study focuses on the microbiota of the cervical canal in women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy. <b>Material and methods:</b> The study group consisted of nine women of a reproductive age who were hospitalized at the Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital of the University of Poznań, between February and September 2023. In nine patients, an ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed based on a transvaginal ultrasound examination. The swabs were collected for quantitative microbiological culture (using Amies transport medium). The microbiological analyses involved quantitative culture on selected selective and differential media, following the Standard Operating Procedure developed by the Institute of Microecology. <b>Results:</b> A reduced <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. count (≤5 × 10<sup>7</sup> CFU/mL) was observed in 78% of the patients participating in the study, including those that produce H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, i.e., with strong protective properties for the environment of the female reproductive tract. The molecular analyses revealed <i>Ureaplasma</i> spp. (<i>U. parvum</i> and <i>U. urealyticum</i>) in 33% of the samples (three patients). However, <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> and <i>Mycoplasma genitalium</i> were not detected in any of the analyzed samples. <b>Conclusions:</b> The ease of obtaining material and the minimally invasive nature of lower reproductive tract examinations may allow for the evaluation of microbiota imbalances, helping to identify individuals at an increased risk of reproductive complications.
ISSN:2075-1729