Which bacteria is commonly associated with preterm birth (PTB)?

Ureaplasma is notably associated with preterm birth due to its presence in the urogenital tract of many women. Studies have shown that infections caused by Ureaplasma species can lead to inflammatory responses in the maternal and fetal tissues, potentially triggering processes that result in preterm labor. Ureaplasma is part of the normal microflora but can contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes if it proliferates.

In contrast, while other bacteria like Streptococcus, E. coli, and Chlamydia can be implicated in various infections and complications during pregnancy, their direct association with preterm birth is not as well-established as that of Ureaplasma. For instance, Streptococcus can cause infections that may impact pregnancy but is more frequently linked to other complications rather than a direct causative role in preterm birth. E. coli is primarily known for causing urinary tract infections, which can increase the risk of other complications but do not specifically correlate with PTB. Chlamydia, while a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to issues in pregnancy, does not have the same strong association with preterm birth as Ureaplasma does. Therefore, Ureaplasma's specific role in inflammatory processes relevant to