The role of Escherichia coli in reproductive health: state of the art

Piet Cools

doi:10.1016/j.resmic.2017.02.002

The role of Escherichia coli in reproductive health: state of the art

Res Microbiol. 2017 Nov-Dec;168(9-10):892-901. doi: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.02.002. Epub 2017 Feb 24.

Author

Piet Cools¹

Affiliation

¹ Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Electronic address: piet.cools@ugent.be.

PMID: 28242352
DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.02.002

Abstract

Escherichia coli is a well-known commensal of the normal intestinal microbiome that can also colonize the vaginal microbiome, usually without symptoms. However, E. coli can also be a highly virulent and frequently deadly pathogen. In this review, I will discuss the role E. coli has in reproductive health and disease.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; Infertility; Maternal sepsis; Neonatal sepsis; Stillbirth.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Abortion, Spontaneous / microbiology*
Chorioamnionitis / microbiology*
Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
Female
Humans
Microbiota / physiology
Pregnancy
Premature Birth / microbiology*
Symbiosis
Vagina / microbiology*
Vaginosis, Bacterial / microbiology*