The Placenta Harbors a Unique Microbiome

This study is to investigate placental microbiome through 16S rDNA-based and whole genome shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Identified taxa and their gene carriage patterns were compared to other human body sites niches. The placental microbiome profiles were most akin to the human oral microbiome.]]> Exclusion Criteria Subjects with fatal fetal anomalies, fetal growth restriction, prelabor preeclampsia, placenta previa, and multi-fetal gestation were excluded due to the likelihood of indicated preterm birth. Subjects with intrapartum chorioamnionitis suspected clinically and treated with intrapartum antibiotics and confirmed by positive maternal or infant culture were excluded from this analysis. ]]>