Infección por ureaplasma urealyticum en mujeres embarazadas y sus complicaciones - revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Screening for Ureaplasma urealyticum in pregnant women is crucial in Ecuador, as despite its high prevalence and potential for serious complications, it is not included in prenatal diagnostic protocols. Its detection is challenging because infections are often asymptomatic, underscoring the need for effective strategies. Its implementation would allow for early treatment, reducing risks and improving maternal and child outcomes. This justifies its inclusion in public health programs, as systematic screening could reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to analyze the frequency of Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in pregnant women and its associated complications through a systematic literature review, compiling, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The analyzed studies, published from 2010 to 2025, met criteria of scientific validity and clinical relevance for research. The results revealed a high prevalence (12-63%), demonstrating association with premature birth (up to 80.7%), chorioamnionitis and premature rupture of membranes. In newborns, vertical transmission was observed (27.2–43.3%) linked to respiratory distress syndrome (55.8–92.3%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity, confirming its pathogenetic impact through inflammatory mechanisms. Conventional methods do not routinely identify it, but molecular techniques such as PCR have demonstrated greater accuracy in detecting specific genes. These findings highlight the need to implement early detection and comprehensive management strategies to improve maternal and child outcomes.