Maternal oral microbiome at birth

The association of the oral microbiome with preterm birth has not been well described. Prior studies have shown that the low-level microbiome in the placenta is most similar to the non-pregnant oral microbiome, suggesting a hematogenous route of bacterial transmission. Based on these studies, we hypothesized that an altered oral microbiome profile will lead to conditions that favor colonization of the placenta and amniotic cavity, leading to inflammation and preterm birth. We performed 16S rDNA gene community profiling of the microbiome of unstimulated saliva and tongue brushings collected frommothers who delivered preterm and at term.