metagenomic 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing of amniotic fluid samples

The aim of present study was to characterize bacterial compositions in amniotic fluid samples in cases with or without chorioamnionits, and to verify that chorioamnionitis can be diagnosed prior to delivery. Amniotic fluid samples from 45 cases were divided into three groups according to the staging of placental inflammation; Group A (n = 14): chorioamnionitis, Group B (n = 18): chorionitis, and Group C (n = 13): no infiltration or sub-chorionitis. Amplicon sequencing of 16S rDNA were performed with the samples from cases and controls: amniotic fluid in early pregnancy (Group D, n = 18) and blank control (Group N, n = 14).