Immune responses to urinary tract infection linked to birth outcomes
A study published in Science Translational Medicine shows that the increased risk of preterm birth associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) is linked to the body's immune response to the infection rather than to the bacteria themselves.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine has found that the increased risk of preterm birth associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy is linked to the body's immune response, rather than the bacteria themselves. Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine conducted the study in mice, analyzing immune response mediators in the urine of pregnant individuals.
They discovered that specific immune responses, including increased bladder inflammation, reduced levels of the cytokine interleukin-10, and activation of immune T cells, were associated with preterm birth. The findings suggest that these immune markers could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for preterm birth in humans.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
