Association of vaginal dysbiosis and gestational diabetes mellitus with adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and is an independent risk factor for vaginal dysbiosis. Understanding vaginal microbiota in health and disease is essential to screen, detect and manage complications of pregnancy. So, we planned this study with the aim to assess and compare the vaginal dysbiosis in pregnancies with and without GDM and examine its impact on perinatal outcomes in our population. Methods A prospective cohort study recruited 502 pregnant women with final assessment of 320 mother infant pairs. Subjects were divided into two groups of GDM (134) and non GDM (186) and followed till delivery to assess fetomaternal outcomes. Vaginal samples were collected at 24-28weeks and 34-38weeks for Nugent scoring and determination of bacterial and fungal species. Results We found significant association of vaginal dysbiosis with GDM and adverse perinatal outcomes. Significant differences were also seen in status of infection and its trimester wise changes in relation to hyperglycemia. Conclusion By defining association of vaginal dysbiosis with GDM and its correlation with perinatal outcomes, our study calls for exploitation of this potential association as a new target in the prevention and treatment of GDM and in alleviating their undesired maternal and infant outcomes.