Assessment of the Frequency and Molecular Identity of Mycoplasma Species in Women with a History of Idiopathic Recurrent Abortion: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background:Abortion is the most common complication in the first trimester of pregnancy. Infections are reported as the etiology of abortions. Some species of Mycoplasmas are seen in the lower genital tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and the molecular identity of Mycoplasma species in women with a history of idiopathic recurrent abortion.

Methods:This study was carried out on 68 women with a history of recurrent abortion. Detecting 16S rRNA to identify the infection of Mycoplasma was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on cervical samples. Furthermore, the sequencing of positive samples was performed to identify the species of Mycoplasma.  

Results: The results showed that only one woman with history of three times abortions was infected by Mycoplasma. Her gestational age was six weeks and she had apparent signs of infection. After sequencing, Mycoplasma genitalium was diagnosed as the infectious agent. The prevalence rate of Mycoplasma was 1.47% and 0% in the case and control groups, respectively. There was no significant association betweenabortion and Mycoplasma infection.                                                                             

Conclusion:It seems more studies are necessary to evaluate the relationship between Mycoplasma infection and abortion. Moreover the increase in the level of public health due to better education and the improvement of contraceptive methods compared to the past has created a significant reduction in Mycoplasma infection.