The microbiome of the female reproductive tract defies the convention that high biodiversity
is a hallmark of an optimal ecosystem. Although not universally true, a homogeneous …

Preterm births are a global health priority that affects 15 million babies every year worldwide.
There are no effective prognostic and therapeutic strategies relating to preterm delivery, but …

Appropriate mechanical function of the uterine cervix is critical for maintaining a pregnancy
to term so that the fetus can develop fully. At the end of pregnancy, however, the cervix must …

Koch's postulates dictate the use of experimental models to illustrate features of human
disease and provide evidence for a singular organism as the cause. The underlying cause …

Group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae is a β-hemolytic, Gram-positive
bacterium that is a leading cause of neonatal infections. GBS commonly colonizes the lower …

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a gram-positive bacteria that asymptomatically colonizes the
vaginal tract. However, during pregnancy maternal GBS colonization greatly predisposes …

Background Aerobic vaginitis is a common cause of vaginal discharge in reproductive-age
women, increasing the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes such as premature delivery …

Preterm birth is a global health concern and continues to contribute to substantial neonatal
morbidity and mortality despite advances in obstetric and neonatal care. The underlying …

Mammalian spermatozoa are coated with a thick glycocalyx that is assembled during sperm
development, maturation, and upon contact with seminal fluid. The sperm glycocalyx is …

Acute chorioamnionitis is characterized by neutrophilic infiltration and inflammation at the
maternal fetal interface. It is a relatively common complication of pregnancy and can have …