Main Findings
Our study clearly showed a significant increase in the rate of ESBL-E vaginal colonization, especially ESBL-producing E. coli , in high-risk pregnancies over the past decade. We also demonstrated that prior antibiotic treatment and cerclage were the independent risk factors for ESBL-E vaginal colonization after adjusting for confounding variables. In addition, maternal ESBL-E vaginal colonization was associated with earlier gestational age at admission and delivery and higher rate of EONS, especially in cases of proven sepsis.