Investigators studying equine pregnancy loss to better understand how bacterial infections can cause miscarriages have discovered the amniotic membrane may play a more significant role than previously thought. Ascending placentitis is caused by Streptococcus equi bacterial infection, which migrates through the vagina and cervical canal. “How the bacteria affect specific parts of the placenta has not been well studied. With our research, we hope to understand not only how miscarriages happen but also ways to detect problems earlier and even prevent pregnancy loss,” Marchio said.1Thus far, this collaborative study has found that the amniotic membrane responds to infection and inflammation. We are the first ones to show that it does using RNA sequencing.”References