Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity as a risk factor for threatened miscarriage.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial colonization of the oral and vaginal ecosystem in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We analyzed 162 pregnant women, (99 women with threatened abortion and 63 women with healthy pregnancies). We collected oral and vaginal swabs, using PCR analysis to assess the presence of various bacteria (S. mutans, E. faecalis, E. coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Prevotella intermedia, Gardnerella vaginalis, S. agalactiae).

RESULTS

Results showed that the presence of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity was significantly more common in women with threatened abortion compared to those with healthy pregnancies (p = 0.046). The presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the vagina was significantly more common in women with healthy pregnancies (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the presence of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity may be a risk factor for threatened abortion.