Predominance of Ureaplasma Parvum in Intrauterine Infection-Related Stillbirths in a series of 10 cases

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether stillbirths with funisitis are associated with intrauterine infection and specific microorganisms (especially Ureaplasma parvum ). Methods A retrospective analysis of 10 stillbirths with funisitis was conducted on fetal organ tissues; multiplex suspension microarray was applied to screen 12 common microorganisms in the female genital tract, with pathogen confirmation via quantitative PCR and pathogen serotype confi rmation via sequencing. Results Our study revealed that UP represented the most commonly identified microorganism in organ specimens from stillbirths complicated by funisitis. Serovars 3 and 6 were most common. A positive UP finding in the stillbirth corresponded to a positive detection of UP in the maternal cervical swab. Conclusion There was a plausible association between UP infection and stillbirth with funisitis. The application of molecular pathology offers significant benefits for providing clues for elucidating the potential etiology and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Due to the small sample size and lack of a control group, this study cannot establish a causal relationship between UP infection and stillbirth.