No consistent evidence for microbiota in murine placental and fetal tissues

The objective of this study was to determine whether the placental and fetal tissues of mice harbor bacterial communities. Bacterial profiles of the placenta and fetal brain, lung, liver, and intestine were characterized through culture, qPCR, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These profiles were compared to those of the maternal mouth, lung, liver, uterus, cervix, vagina, and intestine, as well as to background technical controls. Using multiple modes of microbiologic inquiry, there was not consistent evidence of bacterial communities in the placental and fetal tissues of mice.