Analysis of pathogenic bacteria, their drug resistance, and cytokines in 60 patients with a puerperal infection after a Cesarian section

Objectives: To investigate pathogenic bacteria, their drug resistance, and changes in levels of cytokines in patients with a puerperal infection after a Cesarean section.

Prenatal Stress and the Microbiome in the Time of COVID- A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Given the emerging importance of the role of the gut microbiota-brain-axis in mediating prenatal stress-induced neurodevelopmental outcomes, a prospective cohort study was conducted. The COVID-19 Pandemic occurred halfway through study recruitment (n=35). The study aims to a) evaluate perceived stress across gestation, b) determine whether maternal microbiome composition changes with stress, and c) discern the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal stress, psychometric scores, and alterations in the microbiome. Methods: This longitudinal study design includes five time points across pregnancy and the post-partum period, at which biological samples were collected and psychometrics administered. Samples include maternal rectal and vaginal swabs. Psychometrics include measures of perceived stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, diet, and childhood adversity. Study participants identify as 62.9% White and 31.4% Black or African American. Finally, PacBio full-length 16S rRNA sequencing using SMRT Cell technology is used to identify the maternal rectal and vaginal microbial communities. Results: Participants delivering during the pandemic reporting greater perceived stress (p≤0.05). Of note, there were no significant differences in anxiety or depressive symptoms across gestation in the pre-pandemic participants as compared to participants during the pandemic. During the second trimester, increased depression associated with increased rectal alpha diversity, and increased perceived stress was associated with increased levels of Prevotella, Sneathia, and Gardnerella in the rectal samples. In contrast, participants with increased depressive symptoms during the third trimester had reduced vaginal alpha diversity measures at delivery. Conclusions: Findings suggests maternal perceived stress and depressive symptoms are associated with alterations in maternal microbiota Keywords: Gut Microbiome, Prenatal Maternal Stress, Gut-Brain Axis