Infection and preterm birth: Epidemiological and biochemical linkage Infección y parto prematuro: Enlace epidemiológico y bioquímico

Abstract

This review defines preterm birth and intrauterine infection (origin, pathways and stages). We summarize the epidemiological associations between preterm birth and different microorganisms. We discuss the interaction between bacterial products and macrophage-monocyte host's system; the attribute of proinflammatory cytoquines, and their rol in the mechanism of parturition and fetal immunologic response syndrome.