Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Qualifying Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Porphyromonas gingivalis is recognized as a significant contributor to periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis. This bacterium is an anaerobic gram-negative oral pathogen that can disrupt the balance of the microbiome in the mouth, leading to inflammation and destructive tissue responses characteristic of periodontitis.

The relevance of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the context of preterm labor stems from research indicating that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. The inflammatory mediators released due to periodontal infection can enter systemic circulation and may contribute to the onset of labor, thus increasing the risk of preterm birth. This connection highlights the importance of maternal oral health and its potential impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Other bacteria listed, while significant in different contexts, do not have the same established link to both periodontal disease and preterm labor as Porphyromonas gingivalis does. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are primarily associated with respiratory infections, while Escherichia coli is more commonly linked to urinary tract infections and other gastrointestinal issues, rather than oral health and its impact on pregnancy.