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Placental group B Streptococcus is associated with increased risk of adverse foetal outcome

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The placenta nourishes the foetus and supports its development and growth. Our study now identifies the placenta as a potential route for foetal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus), as indicated by an exaggerated in utero inflammatory response and poor perinatal outcome when group B Streptococcus is detected in the placenta.

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Fig. 1: Placental GBS is associated with foetal cytokine storm.

References

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This is a summary of: Gaccioli, F. et al. Placental Streptococcus agalactiae DNA is associated with neonatal unit admission and foetal pro-inflammatory cytokines in term infants. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01528-2 (2023).

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Placental group B Streptococcus is associated with increased risk of adverse foetal outcome. Nat Microbiol 9, 15–16 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01539-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01539-z

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