Which of the following organisms is NOT a recognized cause of premature rupture of membranes: bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, or Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 26, 2026 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Chlamydia is NOT a Recognized Cause of PROM

Based on CDC guidelines and research evidence, Chlamydia trachomatis is the organism that is NOT consistently associated with causing premature rupture of membranes (PROM), making it the correct answer (C).

Evidence-Based Analysis of Each Organism

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) - DOES Cause PROM

  • BV is definitively associated with premature rupture of membranes according to CDC guidelines 1
  • The CDC explicitly states that BV is linked to "premature rupture of the membranes, preterm labor, preterm birth, and postpartum endometritis" in pregnant women 1
  • Multiple research studies confirm BV causes PROM through inflammatory mediators that weaken membranes 2, 3

Trichomonas vaginalis - DOES Cause PROM

  • CDC guidelines clearly state that "vaginal trichomoniasis has been associated with premature rupture of the membrane, preterm delivery, and low birth weight" 1
  • Research demonstrates T. vaginalis significantly increases PROM risk (adjusted OR = 4.22,95% CI 1.51-11.80) 4
  • A prospective study found patients with T. vaginalis were significantly more likely to have premature rupture of membranes (p < 0.03) 5

Neisseria gonorrhoeae - DOES Cause PROM

  • CDC guidelines explicitly state that gonococcal infection affects pregnancy through "premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and perinatal distress" 1
  • Research confirms N. gonorrhoeae is associated with premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy 6

Chlamydia trachomatis - NOT Consistently Associated with PROM

  • CDC guidelines state that "various studies have inconsistently linked C. trachomatis infection to premature birth" 1
  • The CDC focuses on perinatal transmission complications (conjunctivitis, pneumonia) rather than PROM 1
  • Research found no significant association between C. trachomatis alone and PROM (OR = 2.05,95% CI 0.37-11.49, not statistically significant) 4
  • Only when co-infected with T. vaginalis did chlamydia show association with PROM, suggesting T. vaginalis is the causative agent 4

Clinical Implications

The key distinction is that while BV, Trichomonas, and Neisseria are all definitively linked to PROM in CDC guidelines with consistent evidence, Chlamydia's association remains inconsistent and unproven 1. The CDC emphasizes screening and treating chlamydia primarily to prevent neonatal complications rather than to prevent PROM 1.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

2
Research

Gynecologic conditions and bacterial vaginosis: implications for the non-pregnant patient.

Infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology, 2000

Related Questions

What are the causes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women of reproductive age?
Is bacterial vaginosis (BV) 2 1/2 weeks after vaginal delivery expected and does it require treatment even if asymptomatic?
Can bacterial vaginosis (BV) cause throat infections?
Bacterial Vaginitis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
What is the most appropriate treatment for a pregnant patient with bacterial vaginosis (BV) presenting with vaginal itching, increased vaginal discharge, and a fishy-smelling discharge with a pH of 4.8?
What is the preferred oral antibiotic for impetigo in a breastfeeding mother without drug allergies or renal impairment?
What are the guideline‑based treatment recommendations for a patient with heart failure (both reduced‑ejection‑fraction and preserved‑ejection‑fraction)?
What baseline clinical criteria differentiate reversible pelvic‑floor muscle hypertonicity/dyssynergia from chronic neuropathic pain?
How should a pregnant woman with known congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21‑hydroxylase deficiency be managed regarding glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, stress dosing during illness and labor, and prenatal treatment to prevent fetal virilization?
As a healthy 40‑year‑old cardiologist with no symptoms, which baseline laboratory tests should I have?
Can Lyrica (pregabalin) lower blood pressure?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question