Genética Humana e Embriologia

Mycoplasma hominis Infection in Spontaneous Abortions in Thrace Population: Detection by PCR

Abstract

Iliopoulou S, Pagonopoulou O, Tsigalou C, Deftereou TE, Koutlaki N, Tsikouras P, Papadatou V, Tologkos S, Alexiadis T, Alexopoulou SP and Lambropoulou M

Objective: The main purpose of this study was the detection of the bacterial strain Mycoplasma hominis, which is one of the 14 Mycoplasma species, in spontaneous abortions.

Methods: Placental tissues from 59 miscarriages of the first and second trimester from different areas of Thrace were used. DNA was extracted using a specific kit and the presence of the Mycoplasma hominis strain was detected by PCR.

Results: Among the samples that were examined 2 were proven to be infected by Mycoplasma hominis.

Conclusion: The results of our research imply that a small percentage (~3.6%) of spontaneous abortions could be due to the presence of Mycoplasma hominis. PCR is a reliable, sensitive and easy method for the determination of this type of infection and could be applied in the clinical routine.