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Limited studies have investigated the role of the microbiota in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), particularly preeclampsia, which often results in preterm birth. We evaluated 23 studies that explored the relationship between gut, vaginal, oral, or placental microbiotas and HDP. Scopus, ProQuest Health Research Premium Collection, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database, EBSCO, and Ovid were searched for relevant literature. Majority (18) of studies focused on the gut microbiota, and far fewer examined the oral cavity (3), vagina (3), and placenta (1). One study examined the gut, oral, and vaginal microbiotas. The consensus highlights a potential role for microbiota dysbiosis in preeclampsia and HDP. Especially in the third trimester, preeclampsia is associated with gut dysbiosis—deficient in beneficial species of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Coprococcus but enriched with pathogenic Campylobacterota and Candidatus Saccharibacteria, with low community α‐diversity. Similarly, the preeclamptic vaginal and oral microbiotas are enriched with bacterial vaginosis and periodontal disease‐associated species, respectively. The trend is also observed in the placenta, which is colonized by gastrointestinal, respiratory tract, and periodontitis‐related pathogens. Consequently, a chronic proinflammatory state that adversely impacts placentation is implicated. These observations however require more mechanistic studies to establish the timing of the preceding immune dysfunction and any causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alter immune function increasing infectious diseases risk. We examined the relationship between PFAS and chlamydia. Methods: A total of 3965 nonpregnant adults ages 18-39 years from the National Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2016 cycles were included. Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals for the association between PFAS and chlamydia. Ag computationmodelwas used to examine PFASmixtures and chlamydia. Results: In adjusted age and sex-stratifiedmodels, an increase in PFASmixtures by one quintilewas associated with chlamydia in oldermales and younger females. Associationswere not observed before stratification. Conclusions: PFAS exposure associated with higher chlamydia prevalence, but only in stratified models suggesting biological differences by gender and age. However, small sample sizes could have affected the precision of our models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miscarriage is a common occurrence in pregnancies and can have significant psychological effects. Researchers are trying to identify risk factors and develop treatments to prevent miscarriage. The vaginal microbiota, which consists of different types of bacteria, may play a role in miscarriage. However, studies have shown inconsistent results, and more research is needed to understand the association between the vaginal microbiota and miscarriage. A recent study in Kenya found some associations between certain bacteria and miscarriage, but further investigation is required. The study also highlighted the challenges of studying the vaginal microbiota and identified areas for future research. [Extracted from the article]

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have recently been linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). However, the impact of Neisseria gonorrhoeae on risk of HDP is not well understood. This study determined the impact of gonorrhea and gonorrhea coinfection on HDP and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in a population with a high screening rate and presumed treatment. Methods This retrospective study included 29 821 singleton births between 2016 and 2021. The STI testing results, demographic variables, and pregnancy outcomes were identified from electronic health records. The HDP were primary outcomes of interest including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and superimposed preeclampsia. We further examined preeclampsia subtypes defined by severe features and gestational age of delivery (term and preterm preeclampsia). Secondary outcomes included preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and preterm delivery. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Models were adjusted for maternal age, maternal race/ethnicity, and smoking. Results Gonorrhea screening occurred in 95% of the population. Gonorrhea increased the odds of preterm preeclampsia (adjusted OR [ORadj.], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.02–3.73) and preterm birth (ORadj. 1.78; 95% CI, 1.22–2.60). Furthermore, gonorrhea-chlamydia coinfection was associated with preterm birth (ORadj. 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03–3.04). However, results were similar when we examined gonorrhea monoinfection (ORadj. 1.76; 95% CI, 1.04–2.97). Conclusions Among a diverse population of pregnant individuals, gonorrhea increased odds of preterm preeclampsia and preterm delivery Further research is needed to determine the burden of STIs on HDP, including investigations into biological effects during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]