Relation between Chlamydia trachomatis, the trophoblast and preterm delivery

There is a connection between preterm labor and intrauterie infections which is well established in up to 40% of cases. Success of the interaction between the invading trophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface and the maternal immune system is an immunologically unique fact. In this process the trophoblast participates in both the immune suppression which is necessary for tolerance to the semialogenic fetus and the immune activation against damaging factors such as infections. Alterations in this type of cross-talk, as in the cases of infection-triggered inflammation by Chlamydia species, could result in pregnancy complications such as prematurity or spontaneous abortion. Related articles and clinical cases have been gathered and reviewed to establish the main mechanisms and to confirm the relationship between preterm labor and Chlamydia trachomatis infection.