Abstract
This issue of the Journal contains a report stating that a ‘‘gene-environment interaction’’ determines risk for preterm birth. The importance of this observationwas recognized with a Research Excellence Award by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and represents a major contribution by the team of Dr George Macones and Dr Jerome Strauss III at the University of Pennsylvania. Gene-environment interactions are central to the understanding of common complex diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, hypertension, depression, etc. Screening for bacterial vaginosis and treatment has been considered a strategy to reduce the rate of preterm birth. Yet, there is much controversy surrounding the issue. This Clinical Opinion will review key concepts of bacterial vaginosis, vaginal inflammation, the importance of genetic control of the inflammatory response in the context of microbial invasion, and the significance of the report ofDrMacones et al contained in the current issue of the Journal.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call