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Simoni A, Schwartz L, Junquera GY, Ching CB, Spencer JD. Current and emerging strategies to curb antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9. [PMID: 38714857 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria compromise patient outcomes and prolong hospital stays. Consequently, new strategies are needed to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria. Over the past two decades, sizeable clinical efforts and research advances have changed urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment and prevention strategies to conserve antibiotic use. The emergence of antimicrobial stewardship, policies from national societies, and the development of new antimicrobials have shaped modern UTI practices. Future UTI management practices could be driven by the evolution of antimicrobial stewardship, improved and readily available diagnostics, and an improved understanding of how the microbiome affects UTI. Forthcoming UTI treatment and prevention strategies could employ novel bactericidal compounds, combinations of new and classic antimicrobials that enhance bacterial killing, medications that prevent bacterial attachment to uroepithelial cells, repurposing drugs, and vaccines to curtail the rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria and improve outcomes in people with UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Simoni
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guillermo Yepes Junquera
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christina B Ching
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Valint D, Fiedler TL, Liu C, Srinivasan S, Fredricks DN. Effect of Metronidazole on Concentrations of Vaginal Bacteria Associated with Risk of HIV Acquisition. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4219764. [PMID: 38659968 PMCID: PMC11042432 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4219764/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Several bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria have been associated with elevated risk of HIV acquisition, however susceptibility of these bacteria to antibiotics is poorly understood. Vaginal samples were collected from 22 persons daily for two weeks following BV diagnosis. Metronidazole treatment was prescribed for 5-7 days. Changes in bacterial concentrations were measured with taxon-specific 16S rRNA gene quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. A culture-based antimicrobial assay confirmed presence of antibiotics in vaginal swab samples. Bacterial DNA concentrations decreased during antibiotic administration for all thirteen bacterial taxa tested. Comparison of bacterial DNA concentrations in samples before administration of antibiotics to samples taken on the last day of antimicrobial assay-confirmed antibiotic presence showed a 2.3-4.5 log10-fold decrease across all taxa. Concentrations were frequently reduced to the qPCR assay's limit of detection, suggesting eradication of bacteria. Mean clearance time varied across taxa (1.2-8.6 days), with several bacteria (e.g., Gemella asaccharolytica, Sneathia spp., Eggerthella-like sp.) taking >7 days to suppress. Metronidazole reduces quantities of bacterial taxa associated with increased HIV acquisition risk. Eradication of high-risk vaginal bacteria using metronidazole is one promising avenue for reducing HIV acquisition risk. A 5-7-day treatment course may not be sufficient to suppress all bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.J. Valint
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tina L. Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Congzhou Liu
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David N. Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Kumar T, Bryant M, Cantrell K, Song SJ, McDonald D, Tubb HM, Farmer S, Lewis A, Lukacz ES, Brubaker L, Knight R. Effects of variation in sample storage conditions and swab order on 16S vaginal microbiome analyses. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0371223. [PMID: 38095462 PMCID: PMC10783137 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03712-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The composition of the human vaginal microbiome has been linked to a variety of medical conditions including yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infection. The vaginal microbiome is becoming increasingly acknowledged as a key factor in personal health, and it is essential to establish methods to collect and process accurate samples with self-collection techniques to allow large, population-based studies. In this study, we investigate if using AssayAssure Genelock, a nucleic acid preservative, introduces microbial biases in self-collected vaginal samples. To our knowledge, we also contribute some of the first evidence regarding the impacts of multiple swabs taken at one time point. Vaginal samples have relatively low biomass, so the ability to collect multiple swabs from a unique participant at a single time would greatly improve the replicability and data available for future studies. This will hopefully lay the groundwork to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of the vaginal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Kumar
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - MacKenzie Bryant
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kalen Cantrell
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Se Jin Song
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daniel McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Helena M. Tubb
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sawyer Farmer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amanda Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Emily S. Lukacz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Linda Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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4
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Onyango S, Mi JD, Koech A, Okiro P, Temmerman M, von Dadelszen P, Tribe RM, Omuse G. Microbiota dynamics, metabolic and immune interactions in the cervicovaginal environment and their role in spontaneous preterm birth. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306473. [PMID: 38196946 PMCID: PMC10774218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although establishing a direct causal link between cervicovaginal microbiota and sPTB remains challenging, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of microbial markers potentially linked to sPTB. Despite variations in findings, a recurring observation suggests that sPTB is associated with a more diverse and less stable vaginal microbiota across pregnancy trimesters. It is hypothesized that sPTB risk is likely to be modified via an intricate host-microbe interactions rather than due to the presence of a single microbial taxon or broad community state. Nonetheless, lactobacilli dominance is generally associated with term outcomes and contributes to a healthy vaginal environment through the production of lactic acid/maintenance of a low pH that excludes other pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the innate immunity of the host and metabolic interactions between cervicovaginal microbiota, such as the production of bacteriocins and the use of proteolytic enzymes, exerts a profound influence on microbial populations, activities, and host immune responses. These interplays collectively impact pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the complexity of cervicovaginal environment and microbiota dynamics, and associations with bacterial vaginosis and sPTB. There is also consideration on how probiotics may mitigate the risk of sPTB and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Onyango
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia Dai Mi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Okiro
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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5
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Theodosiou AA, Jones CE, Read RC, Bogaert D. Microbiotoxicity: antibiotic usage and its unintended harm to the microbiome. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:371-378. [PMID: 37466039 PMCID: PMC10487351 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibiotic use is associated with development of antimicrobial resistance and dysregulation of the microbiome (the overall host microbial community). These changes have in turn been associated with downstream adverse health outcomes. This review analyses recent important publications in a rapidly evolving field, contextualizing the available evidence to assist clinicians weighing the potential risks of antibiotics on a patient's microbiome. RECENT FINDING Although the majority of microbiome research is observational, we highlight recent interventional studies probing the associations between antibiotic use, microbiome disruption, and ill-health. These studies include germ-free mouse models, antibiotic challenge in healthy human volunteers, and a phase III study of the world's first approved microbiome-based medicine. SUMMARY The growing body of relevant clinical and experimental evidence for antibiotic-mediated microbiome perturbation is concerning, although further causal evidence is required. Within the limits of this evidence, we propose the novel term 'microbiotoxicity' to describe the unintended harms of antibiotics on a patient's microbiome. We suggest a framework for prescribers to weigh microbiotoxic effects against the intended benefits of antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Theodosiou
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton
| | - Christine E. Jones
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton
| | - Robert C. Read
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton
| | - Debby Bogaert
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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6
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Ayinde O, Ross JD. The frequency and duration of side-effects associated with the use of oral metronidazole; A prospective study of VITA trial participants. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:897-902. [PMID: 37395087 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231179505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tolerability of metronidazole is often perceived as being poor and in particular as being a cause of gastrointestinal side effects, but the frequency, severity and duration of adverse effects (AE) is not well characterised. This study assessed the frequency and type of metronidazole associated AEs in women treated for bacterial vaginosis. METHODS An exploratory study of participants from the lactic acid gel versus metronidazole for treating bacterial vaginosis (VITA) randomised controlled trial. In this sub-study, women aged ≥16 years, diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis and who received oral MTZ (400 mg twice daily, for 7 days) were followed up prospectively over 2 weeks. Baseline demographic and clinical data, and self-reported data on the incidence, time to onset, and duration of AEs were analysed. RESULTS 155 women were included, of whom 64% (99/155) reported at least one metronidazole AE, including 47% (72/155) who reported gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and/or vomiting [52/155], abdominal pain [31/154] or diarrhoea [31/154]) mostly within 3 days of starting treatment and resolving within 5 days of onset. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 8% (12/148) overall and AEs were given as the reason for discontinuing in only 3% (4/148). CONCLUSION Overall, metronidazole side effects occurred commonly, but resolved within a few days and had a limited impact on treatment completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseyi Ayinde
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan Dc Ross
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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7
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Lee CY, Diegel J, France MT, Ravel J, Arnold KB. Evaluation of vaginal microbiome equilibrium states identifies microbial parameters linked to resilience after menses and antibiotic therapy. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011295. [PMID: 37566641 PMCID: PMC10446192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome (VMB) is a complex microbial community that is closely tied to reproductive health. Optimal VMB communities have compositions that are commonly defined by the dominance of certain Lactobacillus spp. and can remain stable over time or transition to non-optimal states dominated by anaerobic bacteria and associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The ability to remain stable or undergo transitions suggests a system with either single (mono-stable) or multiple (multi-stable) equilibrium states, though factors that contribute to stability have been difficult to determine due to heterogeneity in microbial growth characteristics and inter-species interactions. Here, we use a computational model to determine whether differences in microbial growth and interaction parameters could alter equilibrium state accessibility and account for variability in community composition after menses and antibiotic therapies. Using a global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis that captures parameter sets sampled from a physiologically relevant range, model simulations predicted that 79.7% of microbial communities were mono-stable (gravitate to one composition type) and 20.3% were predicted to be multi-stable (can gravitate to more than one composition type, given external perturbations), which was not significantly different from observations in two clinical cohorts (HMP cohort, 75.2% and 24.8%; Gajer cohort, 78.1% and 21.9%, respectively). The model identified key microbial parameters that governed equilibrium state accessibility, such as the importance of non-optimal anaerobic bacteria interactions with Lactobacillus spp., which is largely understudied. Model predictions for composition changes after menses and antibiotics were not significantly different from those observed in clinical cohorts. Lastly, simulations were performed to illustrate how this quantitative framework can be used to gain insight into the development of new combinatorial therapies involving altered prebiotic and antibiotic dosing strategies. Altogether, dynamical models could guide development of more precise therapeutic strategies to manage BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Y. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jenna Diegel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael T. France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kelly B. Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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8
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Tamarelle J, Penaud B, Tyssandier B, Guichoux E, de Barbeyrac B, Peuchant O. Effects of azithromycin and doxycycline on the vaginal microbiota of women with urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: a substudy of the Chlazidoxy randomized controlled trial. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023:S1198-743X(23)00193-3. [PMID: 37100225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dysbiotic bacterial communities within the vagina are associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. We compared the effect of treatment with azithromycin and doxycycline on the vaginal microbiota in a cohort of women with a urogenital C. trachomatis infection randomly assigned to one of these treatments (Chlazidoxy trial). METHODS We analysed vaginal samples from 284 women (135 in the azithromycin group and 149 in the doxycycline group) collected at baseline and 6 weeks after treatment initiation. The vaginal microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and classified into community state types (CSTs). RESULTS At baseline, 75% (212/284) of the women had a high-risk microbiota (CST-III or CST-IV). A cross-sectional comparison 6 weeks after treatment showed that 15 phylotypes were differentially abundant, but this difference was not reflected at the CST (p=0.772) or diversity level (p=0.339). Between baseline and the 6-week visit, α-diversity (p=0.140) and transition probabilities between CSTs were not significantly different between the groups, and no phylotype was differentially abundant. CONCLUSION In women with urogenital C. trachomatis infection, the vaginal microbiota does not seem to be affected by azithromycin or doxycycline 6 weeks after treatment. Because the vaginal microbiota remains susceptible to C. trachomatis infection (with CST-III or CST-IV) following antibiotic treatment, women remain at risk of reinfection, which could originate from unprotected sexual intercourse or untreated anorectal C. trachomatis infection. This last consideration advocates for the use of doxycycline instead of azithromycin because of its higher anorectal microbiological cure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Tamarelle
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | - Bertille de Barbeyrac
- Bordeaux University Hospital, Bacteriology department, French National Reference Center for bacterial STIs, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivia Peuchant
- Bordeaux University Hospital, Bacteriology department, French National Reference Center for bacterial STIs, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, UMR 5234, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
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9
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVES Evaluation and treatment of dyspareunia remains a significant unmet need despite the availability of safe and effective treatments. The objectives of this review are to consider evaluation techniques, the medical causes, and treatment options for dyspareunia in postmenopausal women. METHODS This narrative review used PubMed to search for English-language articles related to postmenopausal dyspareunia. Search terms included, but were not limited to, dyspareunia, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, sexual dysfunction, postmenopausal dyspareunia, posthysterectomy dyspareunia, and postcancer dyspareunia. FINDINGS Many postmenopausal women with dyspareunia do not discuss their symptoms with their physicians. Healthcare clinicians should broach the topic of dyspareunia with their patients using oral or written questionnaires. In addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination, various tools can be used as further assessments, including vaginal pH, vaginal dilators, imaging, vulvar biopsy, vulvoscopy and photography, the cotton swab test, sexually transmitted infection screening, and vaginitis testing. Although dyspareunia in postmenopausal women is often due to the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, other conditions can also cause dyspareunia, including hypertonic pelvic floor, hysterectomy, cancer treatment, lichen conditions, vulvar cancer, vestibulodynia, and pelvic organ prolapse. Some of the treatments discussed include lubricants, moisturizers, vaginal estrogen, ospemifene, dehydroepiandrosterone, local testosterone therapy, cannabidiol, and fractional CO2 laser treatments. In some cases, dyspareunia may need to be specifically addressed by pelvic floor physical or sex therapists. CONCLUSIONS Dyspareunia is a common issue in postmenopausal women, which remains largely untreated. Women with dyspareunia require a thorough history, targeted physical examination, and coordination of multiple disciplines including medical clinicians, pelvic floor physical therapists, and sex therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Streicher
- From the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL
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10
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Armstrong E, Kaul R, Cohen CR. Optimizing the vaginal microbiome as a potential strategy to reduce heterosexual HIV transmission. J Intern Med 2023; 293:433-444. [PMID: 36544257 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a proinflammatory genital condition characterized by high vaginal bacterial diversity and a paucity of Lactobacillus species. BV has been linked to an elevated risk of HIV acquisition among HIV-negative women and of forward HIV transmission to male sex partners among women living with HIV (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.69 and 3.17, respectively), potentially by eliciting genital inflammation in women with BV and their male sex partners. BV is also highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting that BV treatment may have potential as an HIV prevention strategy. BV is typically treated with antibiotics but recurrence rates are high, possibly because treatment does not directly promote Lactobacillus growth. More recently, BV treatment strategies incorporating live biotherapeutic lactobacilli have led to sustained optimization of the vaginal microbiome and a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers previously associated with HIV susceptibility. Future studies are urgently needed to evaluate BV treatment strategies that can optimize the vaginal microbiome in the long term through colonization with H2 O2 -producing vaginal lactobacilli and to assess whether vaginal microbiota optimization is able to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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11
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Holm JB, Carter KA, Ravel J, Brotman RM. Lactobacillus iners and genital health: molecular clues to an enigmatic vaginal species. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2023; 25:67-75. [PMID: 37234911 PMCID: PMC10209668 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-023-00798-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Vaginal lactobacilli are recognized as important drivers of genital health including protection against bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections. Lactobacillus iners is distinct from L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii by its high global prevalence in vaginal microbiomes, relatively small genome, production of only L-lactic acid, and inconsistent associations with genital health outcomes. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of L. iners in the vaginal microbiome, highlight the importance of strain-level consideration for this species, and explain that while marker gene-based characterization of the composition of the vaginal microbiota does not capture strain-level resolution, whole metagenome sequencing can aid in expanding our understanding of this species in genital health. Recent findings L. iners exists in the vaginal microbiome as a unique combination of strains. The functional repertoires of these strain combinations are likely wide and contribute to the survival of this species in a variety of vaginal microenvironments. In published studies to date, strain-specific effects are aggregated and may yield imprecise estimates of risk associated with this species. Summary The worldwide high prevalence of Lactobacillus iners warrants more research into its functional roles in the vaginal microbiome and how it may directly impact susceptibility to infections. By incorporating strain-level resolution into future research endeavors, we may begin to appreciate L. iners more thoroughly and identify novel therapeutic targets for a variety of genital health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna B. Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kayla A. Carter
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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van Gelder MMHJ, Lupattelli A, Nordeng HME. Risk of spontaneous abortion after periconceptional medication use: Time to tackle the methodological challenges. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:188-190. [PMID: 36869817 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Lupattelli
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, and PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hedvig M E Nordeng
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, and PharmaTox Strategic Research Initiative, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Stanaway IB, Wallace JC, Hong S, Wilder CS, Green FH, Tsai J, Knight M, Workman T, Vigoren EM, Smith MN, Griffith WC, Thompson B, Shojaie A, Faustman EM. Alteration of oral microbiome composition in children living with pesticide-exposed farm workers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114090. [PMID: 36516690 PMCID: PMC9898171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our prior work shows that azinphos-methyl pesticide exposure is associated with altered oral microbiomes in exposed farmworkers. Here we extend this analysis to show the same association pattern is also evident in their children. Oral buccal swab samples were analyzed at two time points, the apple thinning season in spring-summer 2005 for 78 children and 101 adults and the non-spray season in winter 2006 for 62 children and 82 adults. The pesticide exposure for the children were defined by the farmworker occupation of the cohabitating household adult and the blood azinphos-methyl detection of the cohabitating adult. Oral buccal swab 16S rRNA sequencing determined taxonomic microbiota proportional composition from concurrent samples from both adults and children. Analysis of the identified bacteria showed significant proportional changes for 12 of 23 common oral microbiome genera in association with azinphos-methyl detection and farmworker occupation. The most common significantly altered genera had reductions in the abundance of Streptococcus, suggesting an anti-microbial effect of the pesticide. Principal component analysis of the microbiome identified two primary clusters, with association of principal component 1 to azinphos-methyl blood detection and farmworker occupational status of the household. The children's buccal microbiota composition clustered with their household adult in ∼95% of the households. Household adult farmworker occupation and household pesticide exposure is associated with significant alterations in their children's oral microbiome composition. This suggests that parental occupational exposure and pesticide take-home exposure pathways elicit alteration of their children's microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian B Stanaway
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James C Wallace
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carly S Wilder
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Foad H Green
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jesse Tsai
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Misty Knight
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomomi Workman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric M Vigoren
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marissa N Smith
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William C Griffith
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Beti Thompson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ali Shojaie
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elaine M Faustman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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14
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Crowe HM, Hatch EE, Wang TR, Horsburgh CR, Mikkelsen EM, Kuohung W, Wise LA, Wesselink AK. Periconceptional antibiotic use and spontaneous abortion: A prospective cohort study. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:179-187. [PMID: 36303292 PMCID: PMC10038811 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many reproductive-aged North Americans use antibiotics in the weeks preceding conception or during early pregnancy. Antibiotic use may influence risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) by disrupting the reproductive tract microbiome or treating harmful infections. However, this association has not been extensively studied. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which periconceptional antibiotic use is associated with the risk of SAB. METHODS We analysed data from an internet-based preconception cohort study of pregnancy planners. Eligible participants self-identified as female, were aged 21-45 years, resided in the USA or Canada, and conceived during 12 months of follow-up (n = 7890). Participants completed an enrolment questionnaire during June 2013-September 2021 and bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months or until a reported pregnancy, whichever came first. Pregnant participants completed questionnaires in early (~8-9 weeks) and late (~32 weeks) gestation. We assessed antibiotic use, including type (penicillins, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporins and macrolides) and indication for use, during the previous 4 weeks on preconception questionnaires. Participants reported pregnancies and SAB on follow-up and pregnancy questionnaires. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models with gestational weeks as the time scale to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between periconceptional antibiotic use and SAB, controlling for potential demographic, medical, and lifestyle confounders. RESULTS Nineteen percent (n = 1537) of pregnancies ended in SAB. Participants reported periconceptional antibiotic use in 8% of pregnancies ending in SAB and 7% not ending in SAB. Periconceptional antibiotic use was not appreciably associated with SAB (adjusted HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88, 1.28). We observed no strong associations between antibiotic type, indication for use, or recency of exposure and SAB risk. CONCLUSIONS Periconceptional antibiotic use was not appreciably associated with SAB in this study. This association is likely complicated by antibiotic type and dosage, timing of conception, and the individual's overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Michelle Crowe
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth Elliott Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles Robert Horsburgh
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Margrethe Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Anne Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amelia Kent Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Dillard LR, Glass EM, Lewis AL, Thomas-White K, Papin JA. Metabolic Network Models of the Gardnerella Pangenome Identify Key Interactions with the Vaginal Environment. mSystems 2023; 8:e0068922. [PMID: 36511689 PMCID: PMC9948698 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00689-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella is the primary pathogenic bacterial genus present in the polymicrobial condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Despite BV's high prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the Gardnerella pangenome is largely uncharacterized at both the genetic and functional metabolic levels. Here, we used genome-scale metabolic models to characterize in silico the Gardnerella pangenome metabolic content. We also assessed the metabolic functional capacity in a BV-positive cervicovaginal fluid context. The metabolic capacity varied widely across the pangenome, with 38.15% of all reactions being core to the genus, compared to 49.60% of reactions identified as being unique to a smaller subset of species. We identified 57 essential genes across the pangenome via in silico gene essentiality screens within two simulated vaginal metabolic environments. Four genes, gpsA, fas, suhB, and psd, were identified as core essential genes critical for the metabolic function of all analyzed bacterial species of the Gardnerella genus. Further understanding these core essential metabolic functions could inform novel therapeutic strategies to treat BV. Machine learning applied to simulated metabolic network flux distributions showed limited clustering based on the sample isolation source, which further supports the presence of extensive core metabolic functionality across this genus. These data represent the first metabolic modeling of the Gardnerella pangenome and illustrate strain-specific interactions with the vaginal metabolic environment across the pangenome. IMPORTANCE Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among reproductive-age women. Despite its prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the diverse bacteria involved in BV infection remain poorly characterized. Gardnerella is the genus of bacteria most commonly and most abundantly represented during BV. In this paper, we use metabolic models, which are a computational representation of the possible functional metabolism of an organism, to investigate metabolic conservation, gene essentiality, and pathway utilization across 110 Gardnerella strains. These models allow us to investigate in silico how strains may differ with respect to their metabolic interactions with the vaginal-host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian R. Dillard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Emma M. Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California—San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Papin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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16
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Tamarelle J, Shardell MD, Ravel J, Brotman RM. Factors Associated With Incidence and Spontaneous Clearance of Molecular-Bacterial Vaginosis: Results From a Longitudinal Frequent-Sampling Observational Study. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:649-656. [PMID: 35969846 PMCID: PMC9387550 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess time-independent and time-varying factors associated with incidence and spontaneous clearance of molecular-bacterial vaginosis (BV; without treatment). METHODS Midvaginal samples were self-collected daily by 100 participants recruited at the University of Alabama Birmingham for 10 weeks (4778 samples). Vaginal microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and clustered into community state types (CSTs). A low-Lactobacillus CST defined the molecular-BV outcome in this study. Factors associated with molecular-BV incidence and spontaneous clearance were modeled using Andersen-Gill recurrent event Cox models. Community class identified the predominant CST of a participant during follow-up. RESULTS Menstruations (adjusted odds ratio [aHR], 2.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.51-2.89] in the prior 24 hours) and CST III (Lactobacillus iners dominated) at the previous sample (aHR, 2.25 [1.48-3.40]) were associated with increased molecular-BV incidence. Participants with a majority of L. iners-dominated samples longitudinally (community class LI) displayed less stable patterns of vaginal microbiota. In LI participants, reduced molecular-BV spontaneous clearance was observed in African American participants (aHR, 0.44 [0.26-0.75]) compared with White participants, older participants (age, 40-49 years [aHR, 0.38; 0.23-0.61]; age, 30-39 years [aHR, 0.48; 0.28-0.83]) compared with participants aged 18 to 29 years, and after douching (0.45 [0.28-0.73] within prior 72 hours). CONCLUSIONS Although it is now well documented that vaginal microbiota are dynamic, there are few available data on factors associated with spontaneous clearance of molecular-BV. Lactobacillus iners-dominated vaginal microbiota are more likely to be dynamic and associated with different risk factors for incidence and clearance of BV. Among L. iners-dominated participants, age, race, and douching were linked to reduced clearance. Most transitions to molecular-BV during menstruations were short-lived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Tamarelle
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of
Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michelle D. Shardell
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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17
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Gholiof M, Adamson-De Luca E, Wessels JM. The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:963752. [PMID: 36303679 PMCID: PMC9580710 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.963752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interactions between the host cells, bacteria, and immune components that reside in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are essential in maintaining reproductive tract homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge surrounding the FRT microbiota relates to the vaginal microbiota, where ‘health’ has long been associated with low bacterial diversity and Lactobacillus dominance. This concept has recently been challenged as women can have a diverse vaginal microbial composition in the absence of symptomatic disease. The structures of the upper FRT (the endocervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries) have distinct, lower biomass microbiotas than the vagina; however, the existence of permanent microbiotas at these sites is disputed. During homeostasis, a balance exists between the FRT bacteria and the immune system that maintains immune quiescence. Alterations in the bacteria, immune system, or local environment may result in perturbances to the FRT microbiota, defined as dysbiosis. The inflammatory signature of a perturbed or “dysbiotic” FRT microbiota is characterized by elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cervical and vaginal fluid. It appears that vaginal homeostasis can be disrupted by two different mechanisms: first, a shift toward increased bacterial diversity can trigger vaginal inflammation, and second, local immunity is altered in some manner, which disrupts the microbiota in response to an environmental change. FRT dysbiosis can have negative effects on reproductive health. This review will examine the increasing evidence for the involvement of the FRT microbiotas and inflammation in gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial and ovarian cancer; however, the precise mechanisms by which bacteria are involved in these conditions remains speculative at present. While only in their infancy, the use of antibiotics and probiotics to therapeutically alter the FRT microbiota is being studied and is discussed herein. Our current understanding of the intimate relationship between immunity and the FRT microbiota is in its early days, and more research is needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this relationship and to assess how our present knowledge can be harnessed to assist in diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholiof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Adamson-De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jocelyn M. Wessels
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18
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Mollin A, Katta M, Sobel JD, Akins RA. Association of key species of vaginal bacteria of recurrent bacterial vaginosis patients before and after oral metronidazole therapy with short- and long-term clinical outcomes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272012. [PMID: 35901180 PMCID: PMC9333308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a state of vaginal dysbiosis typically involving depletion of otherwise dominant populations of Lactobacillus. The causes of this microbial succession are not known; there may be multiple causes. Standard treatment includes oral metronidazole, which typically restores Lactobacillus species to dominance. However, recurrence rates are high; recurrent BV patients recur 3–4 times annually and are often refractory to treatment. Our previous qPCR-based study of recurrent BV patients pointed to putatively more virulent species of Gardnerella that were associated with refractory responses to oral metronidazole, and less robust recovery of Lactobacillus species associated with recurrence after an initial period of remission. However, these associations did not account for outcomes in all patients, suggesting that other bacterial species were involved. In this follow-up study, we sequenced the V4 domain of 16S rRNA sequences of 41of these same patients pre- and posttreatment. Overall compositions among pretreatment clinical outcome groups were not different, although alpha diversity significantly decreased: refractory > recurrent > remission. Combinations of key species were associated with and prognostic for outcome. Higher pretreatment abundance of Megasphaera lornae together with lower abundance of Gardnerella Gsp07 and Finegoldia magna predicted long term remission after oral metronidazole. Furthermore, a subset of refractory patients that did not have high levels of Gardnerella Gsp07, instead had elevated levels of alternative species including Atopobium vaginae, Mageeibacillus indolicus (BVAB3), and Prevotella timonensis. Patients who recurred after transient remission had elevated abundance of species including Atopobium vaginae, Gardnerella, and Aerococcus christensenii, compared to long-term remission patients. Core bacterial species among refractory patients did not change in abundance after metronidazole, suggesting resistance or tolerance, in contrast to the loss in abundance of the same species among recurrent or remission patients. These findings have potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashomathi Mollin
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mounika Katta
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jack D. Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Akins
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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19
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Jin W, Hughes K, Sim S, Shemer S, Sheehan PM. Abnormal vaginal flora and spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton pregnancies with cervical cerclage. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9983-9990. [PMID: 35686697 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2081802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate abnormal vaginal and suture-based bacterial flora for associations with spontaneous preterm birth in high-risk singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cervical cerclage. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of 196 singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cerclage at the Royal Women's Hospital, Australia, from 2004 to 2018. High vaginal swabs were collected regularly between 14 and 26 weeks' gestation, including pre- and post-cerclage insertion, and sent for microscopy and culture. Cervical suture was cultured upon removal. Primary outcomes were spontaneous preterm birth <37, <34 and <30 weeks. RESULTS 43.4% (85/196) of women delivered preterm. The acquisition and persistence of vaginal Escherichia coli following cerclage insertion were independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks (p = .0225, p = .0477). Escherichia coli growth from the cervical suture upon removal was associated with spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (p = .0458). The acquisition of vaginal mixed anaerobes post-cerclage was independently associated with spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (p = .0480). CONCLUSION For singleton pregnancies with an ultrasound-indicated or emergency cerclage, the presence of vaginal or suture-based Escherichia coli following cerclage insertion yields increased risk of cerclage failure and spontaneous preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kelly Hughes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shirlene Sim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Shemer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Penelope M Sheehan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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20
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Moore KR, Harmon QE, Zhao S, Taylor BD, Baird DD. Bacterial Vaginosis and Prospective Ultrasound Measures of Uterine Fibroid Incidence and Growth. Epidemiology 2022; 33:415-421. [PMID: 35067565 PMCID: PMC10029099 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine fibroids often cause intolerable symptoms leading to invasive treatments, most commonly hysterectomy. Reproductive tract infections are hypothesized to influence uterine fibroid development, but few studies exist, especially for the highly prevalent condition bacterial vaginosis (BV). Both fibroids and BV have documented racial-ethnic disparities, with higher burden in Blacks. METHODS With prospective data from a community-based study (four standardized ultrasound examinations over 5 years) in young Black women, we examined baseline BV associations with fibroid incidence and growth. We computed adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incidence comparing BV and no BV (Nugent score ≥7 vs. <7) using Cox proportional hazards models among 1027 women fibroid-free at baseline. Fibroid growth associations were based on linear mixed models estimating volume change between ultrasounds indexed to 18 months. We then expressed BV association as estimated percent difference in growth per 18 months, comparing exposed and unexposed. RESULTS There were n = 247 incident fibroids and 1181 growth measures; average fibroid growth per 18 months was a 78% (95% CI: 69 to 87) increase in volume. BV prevalence was 51% and not associated with fibroid incidence (aHR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.4) or growth (estimated % difference in growth, -3% (95% CI: -12 to 6). CONCLUSIONS In this first study (to our knowledge) of ultrasound-monitored fibroid development and Nugent-assessed BV, we found no evidence to support the hypothesis that BV increased risk of fibroid incidence or growth or BV's role in the high burden of fibroids in Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Moore
- Epidemiology Branch A3-05, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Quaker E. Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch A3-05, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Biostatistics Branch, A3-05, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Brandie D. Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Current address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division of Basic and Translational Research, University of Texas Medical Branch MRB 11.138A, 301 University BLVD. Galveston TX, 77555
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch A3-05, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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21
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Lehtoranta L, Ala-Jaakkola R, Laitila A, Maukonen J. Healthy Vaginal Microbiota and Influence of Probiotics Across the Female Life Span. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:819958. [PMID: 35464937 PMCID: PMC9024219 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.819958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota plays a central role in women’s health and reproduction. Vaginal microbiota is dynamic and shaped by hormonal shifts in each stage of a woman’s life from pre-puberty to postmenopause. Current research has mainly focused on vaginal bacterial and fungal members of the community and emphasized their role in disease. However, the impact of balanced vaginal microbiota on health and its interaction with the host is yet poorly understood. High abundance of vaginal lactobacilli is most strongly associated with health, but the concept of health may vary as vaginal dysbiosis may be asymptomatic. Furthermore, there is a lot of variation between ethnic groups in terms of dominating vaginal bacteria. Probiotic lactobacilli could be a safe and natural means to balance and maintain healthy vaginal microbiota. Research evidence is accumulating on their role in supporting women’s health throughout life. This review describes the current literature on vaginal microbiota, the major factors affecting its composition, and how the communities change in different life stages. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing available literature on probiotics and their impact on vaginal microbiota and health.
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22
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Armstrong E, Hemmerling A, Miller S, Burke KE, Newmann SJ, Morris SR, Reno H, Huibner S, Kulikova M, Liu R, Crawford ED, Castañeda GR, Nagelkerke N, Coburn B, Cohen CR, Kaul R. Metronidazole treatment rapidly reduces genital inflammation through effects on bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria rather than lactobacilli. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:152930. [PMID: 35113809 PMCID: PMC8920324 DOI: 10.1172/jci152930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes genital inflammation and increases HIV risk, while a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus species is associated with immune quiescence and relative HIV protection. BV treatment reduces genital inflammation, but it is unclear whether this is driven by a decrease in BV-associated bacteria or an increase in Lactobacillus. METHODS To evaluate the short-term impact of standard BV treatment on genital immunology and the vaginal microbiota, vaginal swabs were collected immediately before and after metronidazole treatment for BV and analyzed with multiplex ELISA, metagenomic sequencing, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Topical metronidazole treatment rapidly reduced vaginal levels of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and soluble immune markers of epithelial barrier disruption. Although the vaginal microbiota shifted to dominance by L. iners or L. jensenii, this proportional shift was primarily driven by a 2-4 log10 fold reduction in BV-associated bacteria absolute abundance; BV treatment induced no change in the absolute abundance of L. crispatus or L. iners, and only minor (<1 log10 fold) increases in L. gasseri and L. jensenii that were not independently associated with reduced inflammation in multivariable models. CONCLUSION The genital immune benefits that are associated with Lactobacillus dominance following BV treatment were not directly attributable to an absolute increase in lactobacilli, but rather to the loss of BV-associated bacteria.TRAIL REGISTRATION. Participants were recruited as part of a randomized controlled trial (NCT02766023) from 2016 to 2020. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research (PJT-156123) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (HHSN2722013000141 and HHSN27200007).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke Hemmerling
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Steve Miller
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Kerianne E Burke
- Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Centre, Stroger Hospital of Cook County Health, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Sara J Newmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Sheldon R Morris
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Hilary Reno
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Sanja Huibner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Kulikova
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rachel Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emily D Crawford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Gloria R Castañeda
- Infectious Diseases, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Nico Nagelkerke
- Centre for Global Health Research, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bryan Coburn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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23
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Dibo M, Ventimiglia MS, Valeff N, Serradell MDLÁ, Jensen F. An overview of the role of probiotics in pregnancy-associated pathologies with a special focus on preterm birth. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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24
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McNeil CJ, Tan A, Powell JA, Pontius A, Lewis A, Myler N, Schwebke JR. Evaluating the Efficacy of Eradicating Gardnerella vaginalis Vaginal Colonization With Amoxicillin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 2 Study. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:133-138. [PMID: 34475360 PMCID: PMC9506839 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is the keystone pathogen in bacterial vaginosis (BV). Knowledge gaps exist regarding the role of GV eradication in the development of BV. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that vaginal colonization with GV could be eradicated by treatment of women without BV with amoxicillin, a drug highly active against GV. If GV is necessary for the development of BV, then eradication of GV may prevent the development of BV. METHODS We conducted a randomized control trial of amoxicillin 500 mg twice daily versus placebo for 7 days in women aged 18 to 45 years without vaginitis who screened positive for vaginal colonization with GV by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Test-of-cure visit for GV was conducted at day 21. RESULTS One hundred seventy-two women met preliminary criteria and were screened for enrollment. Ninety-seven GV-positive women were randomized to receive amoxicillin versus placebo. Eradication of GV occurred in 21% of women randomized to amoxicillin versus 16% on placebo (P = 0.757). In the 4 weeks between screening and test-of-cure visit, 16 of 92 (17%) of participants developed Nugent scores greater than 3 with 8 of 92 (9%) having BV. All of these were in participants in whom GV was not eradicated (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS The study failed to show a benefit of treatment with amoxicillin to eradicate GV. No participants in whom GV was eradicated had progression to abnormal vaginal flora during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Tan
- The Emmes Company, LLC, Rockville, MD
| | | | | | - Andrea Lewis
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston Salem, NC
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25
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Zheng N, Guo R, Wang J, Zhou W, Ling Z. Contribution of Lactobacillus iners to Vaginal Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:792787. [PMID: 34881196 PMCID: PMC8645935 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.792787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus iners, first described in 1999, is a prevalent bacterial species of the vaginal microbiome. As L. iners does not easily grow on de Man-Rogosa-Sharpe agar, but can grow anaerobically on blood agar, it has been initially overlooked by traditional culture methods. It was not until the wide application of molecular biology techniques that the function of L. iners in the vaginal microbiome was carefully explored. L. iners has the smallest genome among known Lactobacilli and it has many probiotic characteristics, but is partly different from other major vaginal Lactobacillus species, such as L. crispatus, in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy vaginal microbiome. It is not only commonly present in the healthy vagina but quite often recovered in high numbers in bacterial vaginosis (BV). Increasing evidence suggests that L. iners is a transitional species that colonizes after the vaginal environment is disturbed and offers overall less protection against vaginal dysbiosis and, subsequently, leads to BV, sexually transmitted infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Accordingly, under certain conditions, L. iners is a genuine vaginal symbiont, but it also seems to be an opportunistic pathogen. Further studies are necessary to identify the exact role of this intriguing species in vaginal health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nengneng Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renyong Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxi Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zongxin Ling
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Microbe & Host Health, Linyi University, Linyi, China
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26
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Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1996. [PMID: 34829343 PMCID: PMC8618584 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11111996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern society, 75% of all women worldwide have had vaginitis at least once in their lives. The vagina has a dynamic microbial ecosystem with varying vaginal pH levels. An imbalance in that ecosystem can alter the vaginal pH and tip the scale to the point of causing issues, such as vaginitis, that require medical attention. Although vaginitis is not an incurable disease, it causes discomfort and pain that disrupt women's daily lives. The most common causes of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. In this review, we discuss the causes, diagnostic methods, and symptoms of different types of vaginitis, the relationship of vaginitis to the prevalence of other diseases, issues associated with recurrent vaginitis and the immune system, and a variety of effective available treatments. In our article, we summarize the relationship of pH with the vaginal ecosystem, discuss the associated factors of vaginal pH, and finally introduce the different available vaginal pH self-test products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Pin Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; (Y.-P.L.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Wei-Chun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; (Y.-P.L.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-M.C.)
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyaun 333, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 204, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; (Y.-P.L.); (W.-C.C.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Ching-Ju Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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27
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Mtshali A, San JE, Osman F, Garrett N, Balle C, Giandhari J, Onywera H, Mngomezulu K, Mzobe G, de Oliveira T, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Abdool Karim SS, Ravel J, Passmore JAS, Abdool Karim Q, Jaspan HB, Liebenberg LJP, Ngcapu S. Temporal Changes in Vaginal Microbiota and Genital Tract Cytokines Among South African Women Treated for Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730986. [PMID: 34594336 PMCID: PMC8477043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) with oral metronidazole is often ineffective, and recurrence rates are high among African women. BV-associated anaerobes are closely associated with genital inflammation and HIV risk, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation in response to treatment. In this cohort study, we therefore investigated the effects of metronidazole treatment on the vaginal microbiota and genital cytokines among symptomatic South African women with BV [defined as Nugent score (NS) ≥4] using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multiplex bead arrays. Among 56 BV-positive women, we observed short-term BV clearance (NS <4) in a proportion of women six weeks after metronidazole treatment, with more than half of these experiencing recurrence by 12 weeks post-treatment. BV treatment temporarily reduced the relative abundance of BV-associated anaerobes (particularly Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae) and increased lactobacilli species (mainly L. iners), resulting in significantly altered mucosal immune milieu over time. In a linear mixed model, the median concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly reduced in women who cleared BV compared to pre-treatment. BV persistence and recurrence were strongly associated with mucosal cytokine profiles that may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Concentrations of these cytokines were differentially regulated by changes in the relative abundance of BVAB1 and G. vaginalis. We conclude that metronidazole for the treatment of BV induced short-term shifts in the vaginal microbiota and mucosal cytokines, while treatment failures promoted persistent elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the genital tract. These data suggest the need to improve clinical management of BV to minimize BV related reproductive risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Emmanuel San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Harris Onywera
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Turner E, Sobel JD, Akins RA. Prognosis of recurrent bacterial vaginosis based on longitudinal changes in abundance of Lactobacillus and specific species of Gardnerella. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256445. [PMID: 34424942 PMCID: PMC8382169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory responses to standard-of-care oral metronidazole among recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) patients is not rare, and recurrence within a year is common. A better understanding of the bacterial determinants of these outcomes is essential. In this study we ask whether changes in specific species of Gardnerella are associated with poor short or long term clinical outcomes, and if and how resurgence of Lactobacillus species affects these outcomes. We quantify Lactobacillus isolates as a proportion of total vaginal bacteria using the LbRC5 qPCR assay, and 5 prevalent species of Gardnerella using primers that target species-specific polymorphisms within the cpn60 gene. The study includes 43 BV patients: 18 refractory, 16 recurrent, and 11 remission patients, sampled daily for up to two weeks post-treatment; clinical outcomes were tracked for up to 9 months. Persistently high titers of Gardnerella Gsp07 were associated with refractory responses, and persistently low abundance of Gardnerella Gsp07 and G. swidsinskii / G. leopoldii were associated with remission. Lactobacillus species abundance rose in 4–14 days after initiation of treatment in most but not all recurrent and remission patients, although increases were more sustained among remission patients. The findings suggest that Gardnerella Gsp07 and G. swidsinskii / G. leopoldii are markers of poor clinical outcome or may directly or indirectly suppress recovery of Lactobacillus species, thereby interfering with clinical recovery. Therapies that target these strains may improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essence Turner
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jack D. Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Akins
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Selis NN, Oliveira HBM, Souza CLS, Almeida JB, Andrade YMFS, Silva LSC, Romano CC, Rezende RP, Yatsuda R, Uetanabaro APT, Marques LM. Lactobacillus plantarum Lp62 exerts probiotic effects against Gardnerella vaginalis ATCC 49154 in bacterial vaginosis. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:579-589. [PMID: 34338346 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The severe side-effects elicited by conventional antibiotic therapy and the recurrence of Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria and bacterial resistance have led to the development of novel alternative therapies, among which genital probiotics are widely used. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp62 and its supernatant against Gardnerella vaginalis, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro assays were used to evaluate the viability of the strain and the antimicrobial activities of the supernatant in different pH ranges. An in vivo assay was performed on female BALB/c mice, wherein the animals were divided into eight groups: four control groups and four treated groups (for curative and preventive therapies). After infecting and treating the mice, the animals were killed to quantify the bacterial load using qPCR, evaluate leucocyte cellular response, determine vaginal cytokine levels and perform cytokine tissue gene expression. Our analyses revealed significant activity of the strain and its supernatant against G. vaginalis. Preliminary in vitro tests showed that the strain grew with equal efficiency in different pH ranges. Meanwhile, the presence of halo and inhibition of pathogen growth established the significant activity of the supernatant against G. vaginalis. We observed that both micro-organisms are resident bacteria of mouse microbiota and that the lactobacilli population growth was affected by G. vaginalis and vice versa. We also observed that the treated groups, with their low bacterial load, absence of leucocyte recruitment, reduced cytokine levels in the vaginal lavage and normalized cytokine gene expression, successfully controlled the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Selis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - H B M Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - C L S Souza
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - J B Almeida
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - Y M F S Andrade
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - L S C Silva
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - C C Romano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - R P Rezende
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - R Yatsuda
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
| | - A P T Uetanabaro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Microbiologia da Agroindústria, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, BA, Brazil
| | - L M Marques
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia e Biotecnologia de Microrganismos, Pavilhão Max de Menezes, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.,Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil
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30
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Zheng JJ, Miao JR, Wu Q, Yu CX, Mu L, Song JH. Correlation between HPV-negative cervical lesions and cervical microenvironment. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 59:855-861. [PMID: 33218401 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV)-negative cervical lesions and cervical microenvironment in Inner Mongolia, China, and to find the pathogenic factors of HR HPV-negative cervical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS 74 cases of HR HPV-negative healthy women and 80 cases of patients with cervical lesions (28 cases of LSIL, 49 cases of HSIL and 3 cases of CSCC) were selected as the study group; 26 cases of HPV-positive women and 352 cases of patients with cervical lesions (108 cases of LSIL, 214 cases of HSIL and 30 cases of CSCC) were control group. Questionnaires were collected from the study group and the control group and specimens were collected. Gram staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining microscopy, and substrate colorimetry method were used to detect vaginal micro-ecological indicators; ELISA was used to detect the concentration of SIgA, IgG, IL-2 and IL-10 in vaginal lavage fluid. Genetic testing was used to detect HPV, mycoplasma, and chlamydia infection. The changes of vaginal micro-ecology evaluation index and local immune factor concentration in healthy women and cervical lesions of all grades in the study group and the control group were compared. RESULTS Patients with cervical lesions, compared with healthy women, had a decrease in dominant lactobacilli and dysbacteriosis (P < 0.05), and this trend became more apparent as the disease progressed. The diversity and concentration of the flora in the HPV-negative group increased, the abnormal composition ratio decreased, and the HPV-positive group showed the opposite trend. As the lesion progressed, H2O2 decreased first and then increased, and the overall trend of SNa, LE, GUS, and GADP increased. The infection rate of trichomoniasis, BV and chlamydia increased and infection rate of Candida decreased. Also, compared with healthy women, patients with cervical lesions showed changes in immune factor concentration (P < 0.05). As the lesion progressed, IL-2 decreased, IL-10 increased, and IL-2/IL-10 decreased. However, IL-2 expression in HPV-negative group was higher than HSIL. SIgA was significantly lower in patients with cervical lesions than in healthy women. IgG had an upward trend in the HPV positive group. CONCLUSION This study showed that vaginal micro-ecological imbalance and weakening of local cervical immune function are important reasons for the development of cervical lesions. It is expected to inhibit the development of cervical lesions by regulating the balance of vaginal micro-ecology and enhancing local immune function. By detecting Lactobacillus vaginalis, pre-enzyme, IL-2, IL-10, SIgA, it can guide the further diversion of HPV-positive women and predict the development direction of cervical lesions after HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China
| | - Jing-Rui Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China
| | - Cong-Xiang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China
| | - Lin Mu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China
| | - Jing-Hui Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010059, China.
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31
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Gustin A, Cromarty R, Schifanella L, Klatt NR. Microbial mismanagement: how inadequate treatments for vaginal dysbiosis drive the HIV epidemic in women. Semin Immunol 2021; 51:101482. [PMID: 34120819 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Women and girls represent a key population driving new HIV infections and persistence of the HIV pandemic. A key determinant of HIV susceptibility is the composition of the vaginal microbiome, which can influence the local immune cell population, inflammation status, and HIV prevention drug levels. While a low-diversity composition dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with a decreased risk of HIV acquisition, high diversity environments associated with bacterial vaginosis increase risk of HIV. Given the important role of the vaginal microbiome in determining HIV susceptibility, altering the microbiome towards a Lactobacillus-dominated state is an attractive complementary strategy to reduce HIV incidence rates. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which the vaginal microbiome may contribute to HIV acquisition risk. Furthermore, we address the advantages and limitations of historical treatments and emerging technologies under investigation to modify the vaginal microbiome, including: antibiotics, bacteriophages, probiotics, topicals, and engineered bacteria. By addressing the current state of vaginal microbiome knowledge and strategies for manipulation, we hope to amplify the growing calls for increased resources and research into vaginal microbial health, which will be essential to accelerating preventative efforts amongst the world's most vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gustin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Luca Schifanella
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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32
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Costantini PE, Firrincieli A, Fedi S, Parolin C, Viti C, Cappelletti M, Vitali B. Insight into phenotypic and genotypic differences between vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus BC5 and Lactobacillus gasseri BC12 to unravel nutritional and stress factors influencing their metabolic activity. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34096840 PMCID: PMC8461478 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota, normally characterized by lactobacilli presence, is crucial for vaginal health. Members belonging to L. crispatus and L. gasseri species exert crucial protective functions against pathogens, although a total comprehension of factors that influence their dominance in healthy women is still lacking. Here we investigated the complete genome sequence and comprehensive phenotypic profile of L. crispatus strain BC5 and L. gasseri strain BC12, two vaginal strains featured by anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. Phenotype microarray (PM) results revealed an improved capacity of BC5 to utilize different carbon sources as compared to BC12, although some specific carbon sources that can be associated to the human diet were only metabolized by BC12, i.e. uridine, amygdalin, tagatose. Additionally, the two strains were mostly distinct in the capacity to utilize the nitrogen sources under analysis. On the other hand, BC12 showed tolerance/resistance towards twice the number of stressors (i.e. antibiotics, toxic metals etc.) with respect to BC5. The divergent phenotypes observed in PM were supported by the identification in either BC5 or BC12 of specific genetic determinants that were found to be part of the core genome of each species. The PM results in combination with comparative genome data provide insights into the possible environmental factors and genetic traits supporting the predominance of either L. crispatus BC5 or L. gasseri BC12 in the vaginal niche, giving also indications for metabolic predictions at the species level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Firrincieli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Fedi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carola Parolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Viti
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Cappelletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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d'Enfert C, Kaune AK, Alaban LR, Chakraborty S, Cole N, Delavy M, Kosmala D, Marsaux B, Fróis-Martins R, Morelli M, Rosati D, Valentine M, Xie Z, Emritloll Y, Warn PA, Bequet F, Bougnoux ME, Bornes S, Gresnigt MS, Hube B, Jacobsen ID, Legrand M, Leibundgut-Landmann S, Manichanh C, Munro CA, Netea MG, Queiroz K, Roget K, Thomas V, Thoral C, Van den Abbeele P, Walker AW, Brown AJP. The impact of the Fungus-Host-Microbiota interplay upon Candida albicans infections: current knowledge and new perspectives. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa060. [PMID: 33232448 PMCID: PMC8100220 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. It exists as a commensal in the oral cavity, gut or genital tract of most individuals, constrained by the local microbiota, epithelial barriers and immune defences. Their perturbation can lead to fungal outgrowth and the development of mucosal infections such as oropharyngeal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, and patients with compromised immunity are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections. The importance of the interplay between fungus, host and microbiota in driving the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity is widely appreciated. However, the complexity of these interactions, and the significant impact of fungal, host and microbiota variability upon disease severity and outcome, are less well understood. Therefore, we summarise the features of the fungus that promote infection, and how genetic variation between clinical isolates influences pathogenicity. We discuss antifungal immunity, how this differs between mucosae, and how individual variation influences a person's susceptibility to infection. Also, we describe factors that influence the composition of gut, oral and vaginal microbiotas, and how these affect fungal colonisation and antifungal immunity. We argue that a detailed understanding of these variables, which underlie fungal-host-microbiota interactions, will present opportunities for directed antifungal therapies that benefit vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Leovigildo-Rey Alaban
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sayoni Chakraborty
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Cole
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Margot Delavy
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Daria Kosmala
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Benoît Marsaux
- ProDigest BV, Technologiepark 94, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Fróis-Martins
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Moran Morelli
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diletta Rosati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marisa Valentine
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Zixuan Xie
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoan Emritloll
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Peter A Warn
- Magic Bullet Consulting, Biddlecombe House, Ugbrook, Chudleigh Devon, TQ130AD, UK
| | - Frédéric Bequet
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Bornes
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF0545, 20 Côte de Reyne, 15000 Aurillac, France
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Salomé Leibundgut-Landmann
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Chaysavanh Manichanh
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol A Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karla Queiroz
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karine Roget
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Thomas
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Thoral
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Alan W Walker
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Ruiz-Perez D, Coudray MS, Colbert B, Krupp K, Kumari H, Stebliankin V, Mathee K, Cook RL, Schwebke J, Narasimhan G, Madhivanan P. Effect of metronidazole on vaginal microbiota associated with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis. Access Microbiol 2021; 3:000226. [PMID: 34151180 PMCID: PMC8209634 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal dysbiosis-induced by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria is referred to as bacterial vaginosis (BV). The dysbiosis is associated with an increased risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Women with symptomatic BV are treated with oral metronidazole (MET), but its effectiveness remains to be elucidated. This study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to determine the changes in the microbiota among women treated with MET. WGS was conducted on DNA obtained from 20 vaginal swabs collected at four time points over 12 months from five randomly selected African American (AA) women. The baseline visit included all women who were diagnosed with asymptomatic BV and were untreated. All subjects were tested subsequently once every 2 months and received a course of MET for each BV episode during the 12 months. The BV status was classified according to Nugent scores (NSs) of vaginal smears. The microbial and resistome profiles were analysed along with the sociodemographic metadata. Despite treatment, none of the five participants reverted to normal vaginal flora - two were consistently positive for BV, and the rest experienced episodic cases of BV. WGS analyses showed Gardnerella spp. as the most abundant organism. After treatment with MET, there was an observed decline of Lactobacillus and Prevotella species. One participant had a healthy vaginal microbiota based on NS at one follow-up time point. Resistance genes including tetM and lscA were detected. Though limited in subjects, this study shows specific microbiota changes with treatment, presence of many resistant genes in their microbiota, and recurrence and persistence of BV despite MET treatment. Thus, MET may not be an effective treatment option for asymptomatic BV, and whole metagenome sequence would better inform the choice of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz-Perez
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BioRG), Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Makella S Coudray
- Department of Epidemiology, Stempel College of Public Health, FIU, Miami, FL, USA.,Present address: Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Brett Colbert
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences and Education, FIU, Miami, FL, USA.,Present address: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Karl Krupp
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Hansi Kumari
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, FIU, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vitalii Stebliankin
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BioRG), Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kalai Mathee
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, FIU, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, FIU, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert L Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida (UF), Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, UF, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jane Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Giri Narasimhan
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BioRG), Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, FIU, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Arizona (UA), Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Family & Community Medicine, UA, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Public Health Research Institute of India, Mysore, Karnataka, India
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35
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Garza J, Gandhi K, Choi S, Sanchez A, Ventolini G. Cytokine profiles and Lactobacillus species presence in pre-menopausal subjects with genital Mycoplasma genitalium or Ureaplasma urealyticum colonization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 17:17455065211009181. [PMID: 33866885 PMCID: PMC8058796 DOI: 10.1177/17455065211009181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Lactobacilli play a vital role in protecting the vagina against pathogens. Cytokines are vital components of defense against infections in women. The genital mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum, are associated with various infectious diseases in adults and infants. The objective of our study is to identify differences in cytokine profile and Lactobacillus species dominance between a study group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women with genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization and a control group of non-pregnant pre-menopausal women without genital M. genitalium or U. urealyticum colonization. Methods: A real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure Lactobacillus species in vaginal swab samples. Cytokine analysis was performed using multiplex immunoassay techniques. Analysis of variance confirmed a significant difference in cytokine profiles between patient groups, with t-tests identifying the most significantly different cytokines. Categorical data analysis identified significant patterns of relative Lactobacillus species dominance in the study group. Results: Lactobacillus iners was the predominant Lactobacillus species in the control group (p = 0.005). There were no dominant Lactobacillus species observed in the study group. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (p = 0.002), interleukin-8 (p = 0.001), and interleukin-1β (p = 0.049) were expressed significantly higher in the study group, whereas interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (p < 0.001), interleukin-10 (p = 0.001), interleukin-12 (p = 0.002), and interferon-γ (p = 0.022) were expressed higher in the control group. Association matrices for cytokines were significantly different between two groups (p < 0.001), with mostly negative associations in the control group and mostly positive associations in the study group. Conclusion: Cytokine levels, their associations, and the patterns of Lactobacillus species dominance are observed to significantly diverge on the basis of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum colonization among non-pregnant pre-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Garza
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA.,The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Kushal Gandhi
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Sarah Choi
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Asley Sanchez
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) at the Permian Basin, Odessa, TX, USA
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36
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Dabee S, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. The Complex Link between the Female Genital Microbiota, Genital Infections, and Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00487-20. [PMID: 33558324 PMCID: PMC8091093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00487-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract microbiota is part of a complex ecosystem influenced by several physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors. It is uniquely linked to a woman's mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. A vaginal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of lactobacilli and low overall bacterial diversity is associated with lower inflammation. On the other hand, a more diverse microbiota is linked to high mucosal inflammation levels, a compromised genital epithelial barrier, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other conditions. Several bacterial taxa such as Gardnerella spp., Prevotella spp., Sneathia spp., and Atopobium spp. are well known to have adverse effects; however, the definitive cause of this microbial dysbiosis is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the multiple ways in which the microbiota influences the overall genital inflammatory milieu and to explore the causes and consequences of this inflammatory response. While there is abundant evidence linking a diverse genital microbiota to elevated inflammation, understanding the risk factors and mechanisms through which it affects genital health is essential. A robust appreciation of these factors is important for identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ekama SO, Ilomuanya MO, Azubuike CP, Bamidele TA, Fowora MA, Aina OO, Ezechi OC, Igwilo CI. Mucoadhesive Microspheres of Maraviroc and Tenofovir Designed for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV-1: An in vitro Assessment of the Effect on Vaginal Lactic Acid Bacteria Microflora. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 13:399-413. [PMID: 33859500 PMCID: PMC8042296 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s291065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To formulate and evaluate microspheres of the antiretroviral drugs maraviroc and tenofovir intended for a candidate vaginal microbicide and assess its effect on the vaginal lactic acid bacteria microflora. Methods Ionic gelation technique was used to formulate maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres with subsequent characterization. The effect of varying concentrations of the polymer, crosslinking agent and the curing time on the outcome variables viz: particle size, mucoadhesion and encapsulation efficiency were investigated. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from the vagina of healthy women using standard microbiologic methods. The analysis of their 16S rRNA sequence data identified Lactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecalis strains which were assigned GenBank accession numbers. The efficacy of the microspheres on HIV-1BaL strain was evaluated using TZM-bl indicator cells. Results The optimal maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres had particle sizes of (434.82 µm and 456.18 µm), mucoadhesion of (93.3% and 90%) and encapsulation efficiency (92.80% and 78.9%) respectively. Maraviroc release kinetics followed a zero-order model and tenofovir was released via Higuchi model. The assay of a 1 mg/mL suspension of the microspheres on the strains of Lactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecalis showed a viability of 93.9% and 89.7%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean absorbance readings of the test agent and that of the positive control (P = 0.001). The microspheres elicited a progressive decline in HIV infectivity until at a concentration of 1 μg/mL. Conclusion The antiretroviral drugs loaded in the microspheres, had good mucoadhesion which is a potential for prolonged residence time in the vagina. The antiretroviral drugs were adequately released from the microspheres and showed efficacy against the HIV-1 BaL virus strain. There was no significant disruption in the growth of the lactic acid bacteria which constitute valuable bacteria microflora of the vagina. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/63jGK8WOibE
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabdat O Ekama
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.,Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Margaret O Ilomuanya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuemeka P Azubuike
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tajudeen A Bamidele
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Muinah A Fowora
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwagbemiga O Aina
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver C Ezechi
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Cecilia I Igwilo
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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38
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Chen X, Lu Y, Chen T, Li R. The Female Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:631972. [PMID: 33898328 PMCID: PMC8058480 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome is an intricate and dynamic microecosystem that constantly undergoes fluctuations during the female menstrual cycle and the woman’s entire life. A healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus which produce various antimicrobial compounds. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by the loss or sharp decline in the total number of Lactobacillus and a corresponding marked increase in the concentration of anaerobic microbes. BV is a highly prevalent disorder of the vaginal microbiota among women of reproductive age globally. BV is confirmed to be associated with adverse gynecologic and obstetric outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and preterm birth. Gardnerella vaginalis is the most common microorganism identified from BV. It is the predominant microbe in polymicrobial biofilms that could shelter G. vaginalis and other BV-associated microbes from adverse host environments. Many efforts have been made to increase our understanding of the vaginal microbiome in health and BV. Thus, improved novel and accurate diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for BV have been developed. This review covers the features of vaginal microbiome, BV, BV-associated diseases, and various strategies of diagnosis and treatment of BV, with an emphasis on recent research progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yune Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongguo Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Gaspar C, Rolo J, Cerca N, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A. Dequalinium Chloride Effectively Disrupts Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Gardnerella spp. Biofilms. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030261. [PMID: 33668706 PMCID: PMC7996269 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection worldwide. It is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic vaginal pathogens such as Gardnerella spp. BV has been associated with the occurrence of dense multispecies biofilms on the vaginal mucosa. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections such as BV is challenging. In this study, we have tested the role of a quaternary ammonium compound, dequalinium chloride (DQC), in the eradication of Gardnerella spp. biofilms. The effects of the test substance on the biomass and the metabolic activity of the biofilm of Gardnerella spp. were assessed in vitro using a microtiter plate assay. In addition, the effect of DQC on the Gardnerella spp. biofilm was further assessed by using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that DQC was particularly effective in the destruction of BV-associated Gardnerella spp. biotypes, impacting both their biomass and metabolic activity. In addition, the disruption of biofilm architecture was evident and was probably caused by multiple mechanisms of action. We conclude that DQC is an antibiofilm agent and is able to efficiently destroy Gardnerella spp. BV-associated biofilms. Therefore, it is a valid option for BV therapy and has the potential to prevent BV recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaspar
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.G.); (J.R.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.G.); (J.R.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.)
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.G.); (J.R.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.G.); (J.R.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.)
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (C.G.); (J.R.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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40
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Murina F, Crișan C, Biriș M, Sîrbu D, Barattini DF, Ardolino LI, Casolati E. Efficacy and safety of a novel vaginal medical device in recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a multicenter clinical trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 72:292-298. [PMID: 33325675 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.20.04661-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of a new vaginal medical device, which contains polycarbophil, 0.04% lauryl glucoside and glycerides (Polybactum<sup>®</sup>, Effik Italia Spa, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy), in reducing BV recurrence rate was investigated. METHODS This was a multicenter, open label, not comparative study. Women over 18 years old affected by recurrent BV were included. The latest episode was diagnosed by Amsel criteria 6-9 days before the start of the study and treated with vaginal metronidazole (gel 0.75% mg for 5 days or ovules 500 mg for 7 days). The recurrence was defined by at least 2 episodes in the previous 12 months. Polybactum<sup>®</sup> vaginal ovules, day 1-4-7, were started within the 12<sup>th</sup> and the 24<sup>th</sup> hour after the end of metronidazole therapy and repeated monthly for 3 cycles. RESULTS The first 41 patients enrolled were evaluated for an interim analysis 6 months after the study started; 2 patients interrupted the trial, leaving 39 evaluable subjects. The recurrence rate was significantly reduced compared to previous published data (10.26% vs. 40% P<0.001). In 35 patients without recurrence, the assessment of Lactobacillus vaginal flora performed by phase contrast microscopy evidenced a significant improvement form baseline (P=0.022) The investigator global assessment of tolerability was excellent in 38 out of 39 cases. CONCLUSIONS Our research showed that 3 monthly cycles of Polybactum<sup>®</sup> ovules administered after one course of metronidazole vaginal therapy can reduce the rate of Bacterial vaginosis recurrence and improve the vaginal milieu, favoring the growth of vaginal lactobacillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Murina
- Unit of Lower Genital Tract Disease, Vittore Buzzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy -
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elena Casolati
- Private Practitioner of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Milan, Italy
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Chee WJY, Chew SY, Than LTL. Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:203. [PMID: 33160356 PMCID: PMC7648308 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vagina is colonised by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most frequently isolated microorganism from the healthy human vagina, this includes Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus jensenii. These vaginal lactobacilli have been touted to prevent invasion of pathogens by keeping their population in check. However, the disruption of vaginal ecosystem contributes to the overgrowth of pathogens which causes complicated vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Predisposing factors such as menses, pregnancy, sexual practice, uncontrolled usage of antibiotics, and vaginal douching can alter the microbial community. Therefore, the composition of vaginal microbiota serves an important role in determining vagina health. Owing to their Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status, lactobacilli have been widely utilised as one of the alternatives besides conventional antimicrobial treatment against vaginal pathogens for the prevention of chronic vaginitis and the restoration of vaginal ecosystem. In addition, the effectiveness of Lactobacillus as prophylaxis has also been well-founded in long-term administration. This review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of lactobacilli derivatives (i.e. surface-active molecules) with anti-biofilm, antioxidant, pathogen-inhibition, and immunomodulation activities in developing remedies for vaginal infections. We also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of the use of lactobacilli derivatives in promotion of human health. In the current review, we intend to provide insights for the development of lactobacilli derivatives as a complementary or alternative medicine to conventional probiotic therapy in vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Jeng Yang Chee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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Haahr T, Freiesleben NLC, Pinborg A, Nielsen HS, Hartvig V, Mikkelsen AL, Parks T, Uldbjerg N, Jensen JS, Humaidan P. Effect of clindamycin and a live biotherapeutic on the reproductive outcomes of IVF patients with abnormal vaginal microbiota: protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035866. [PMID: 33051228 PMCID: PMC7554508 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) patients have associated abnormal vaginal microbiota (AVM) with poor clinical pregnancy rates of 6%-9% per embryo transfer. The biological plausibility for this finding is hypothesised to be ascending infection to the endometrium which in turn hampers embryo implantation. New molecular based diagnosis may offer advantages compared to microscopical diagnosis of AVM which has huge inter-study variability ranging from 4 to 38%; however, the important question is whether screening and treatment of AVM would improve reproductive outcomes in IVF patients. Herein, we describe a protocol for an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial of IVF patients diagnosed with AVM and randomised in three parallel groups 1:1:1. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a drug intervention study where IVF patients will be screened for AVM, using a qPCR assay targeting Atopobium vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis. If positive, patients will be randomised to one of the three study arms. The first arm consists of clindamycin 300 mg ×2 daily for 7 days followed by vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05 until clinical pregnancy scan week 7-9. The second arm consists of clindamycin and placebo L. crispatus CTV-05, whereas patients in the third arm will be treated with placebo/placebo. We used a superiority design to estimate that active treatment in both arms will increase the primary outcome, clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, from 20% to 40%. A potential difference between the two active arms was considered exploratory. With a power of 80% and an alpha at 5%, the sample size is estimated to be 333 patients randomised. A pre-planned interim analysis is scheduled at 167 patients randomised. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION All patients have to give informed consent. Dissemination of results is ensured in clinical trial agreements whether they be positive or not. Ethics committee, Central Denmark Region approved this protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ICH-GCP monitored trial, EudraCT 2016-002385-31; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Haahr
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
| | | | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anne-Lis Mikkelsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Sjællands Universitetshospital Køge, Koge, Sjaelland, Denmark
| | | | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Skov Jensen
- Department of Reproductive Microbiology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Skive, Denmark
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Characterization of the Vaginal DNA Virome in Health and Dysbiosis. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101143. [PMID: 33050261 PMCID: PMC7600586 DOI: 10.3390/v12101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus (L.) spp. abundance and increased abundance of facultative anaerobes, such as Gardnerella spp. BV aetiology is not fully understood; however, bacteriophages could play a pivotal role in the perturbation of the vaginal bacterial community. We investigated the vaginal viral community, including bacteriophages and the association to the bacterial community and BV-status. Vaginal samples from 48 patients undergoing IVF treatment for non-female factor infertility were subjected to metagenomic sequencing of purified virus-like particles. The vaginal viral community was characterized and correlated with the BV-status by Nugent score, bacterial community, structure, and the presence of key vaginal bacterial species. The majority of identified vaginal viruses belonged to the class of double-stranded DNA bacteriophages, with eukaryotic viruses constituting 4% of the total reads. Clear links between the viral community composition and BV (q = 0.006, R = 0.26) as well as the presence of L. crispatus (q = 0.001, R = 0.43), L. iners, Gardnerella spp., and Atopobium vaginae were found (q < 0.002, R > 0.15). The eukaryotic viral community also correlated with BV-status (q = 0.018, R = 0.20). In conclusion, the vaginal virome was clearly linked with bacterial community structure and BV-status.
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Nilsen T, Swedek I, Lagenaur LA, Parks TP. Novel Selective Inhibition of Lactobacillus iners by Lactobacillus-Derived Bacteriocins. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e01594-20. [PMID: 32801180 PMCID: PMC7531956 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01594-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactobacillus iners is often associated with vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV), which are risk factors for adverse gynecological and obstetric outcomes. To discover natural inhibitors of L. iners, cell-free culture supernatants (CFSs) from 77 vaginal human Lactobacillus strains and 1 human intestinal strain were screened for inhibitory activity. Three active strains were identified, and Lactobacillus paragasseri K7 (K7), a human intestinal strain, produced the most potent L. iners-inhibitory activity. The active material was purified from the K7 CFS and yielded three active peptides, identified as components of two different class IIb, two-peptide bacteriocins, gassericin K7A (GasK7A) and gassericin K7B (GasK7B). The peptides corresponded to the GasK7A α peptide and the GasK7B α and β peptides. While all three peptides exhibited individual activity against L. iners, GasK7B α was the most potent, with an MIC of 23 ng/ml (4 nM). When combined in equal amounts, the GasK7B α and β peptides showed synergistic inhibition, with an MIC of 2 ng/ml (each peptide at 0.4 nM). Among the four major vaginal Lactobacillus species, the K7 bacteriocins selectively inhibited L. iners All 21 strains of L. iners tested (100%) were inhibited by the K7 bacteriocins, whereas <20% of the vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri strains were inhibited. The combination of the BV treatment metronidazole and K7 bacteriocins completely killed both L. iners and Gardnerella vaginalis in a coculture experiment to mimic BV conditions. In contrast, this treatment did not inhibit L. crispatus cultures.IMPORTANCELactobacillus iners is a prevalent species of the vaginal microbiome, but unlike other major vaginal Lactobacillus species, it is not considered protective against BV and can coexist with BV-associated bacteria. L. iners is generally the first Lactobacillus species to emerge following the treatment of BV with metronidazole, and mounting evidence suggests that it may contribute to the onset and maintenance of vaginal dysbiosis. The discovery of highly potent bacteriocins that selectively kill L. iners while sparing protective vaginal lactobacilli may provide novel pharmacological tools to better understand the roles of this enigmatic bacterium in vaginal ecology and potentially lead to new and improved therapies for dysbiosis-related conditions such as BV.
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Sabbatini S, Monari C, Ballet N, Decherf AC, Bozza S, Camilloni B, Perito S, Vecchiarelli A. Anti-Biofilm Properties of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 Probiotics against G. vaginalis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091294. [PMID: 32847138 PMCID: PMC7564297 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm where Gardnerella vaginalis plays a key role. Previously, we demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM (French National Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms) I-3856 is helpful in resolving experimental simulated BV in mice. In this study, we analyzed its capacity to affect G. vaginalis biofilms and to potentiate the activity of standard antimicrobial agents. We also investigated the anti-biofilm activity of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), a well-known strain for its intestinal healthy benefits. Biofilm biomass was assessed by crystal violet staining, and G. vaginalis viability was assessed by a colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG were able (i) to significantly inhibit G. vaginalis biofilm formation, (ii) to markedly reduce G. vaginalis viability among the biomass constituting the biofilm, (iii) to induce disaggregation of preformed biofilm, and (iv) to kill a consistent amount of bacterial cells in a G. vaginalis preformed biofilm. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 strongly potentiates the metronidazole effect on G. vaginalis biofilm viability. These results suggest that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG could be potential novel therapeutic agents against bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nathalie Ballet
- Lesaffre International, Lesaffre Group, Rue Gabriel Péri 137, Marcq-en-Baroeul, 59700, France;
| | | | - Silvia Bozza
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Barbara Camilloni
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Stefano Perito
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Anna Vecchiarelli
- Department of Medicine, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, Polo Unico Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, 06132, Perugia, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (B.C.); (S.P.); (A.V.)
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Redelinghuys MJ, Geldenhuys J, Jung H, Kock MM. Bacterial Vaginosis: Current Diagnostic Avenues and Future Opportunities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:354. [PMID: 32850469 PMCID: PMC7431474 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A healthy female genital tract harbors a microbiome dominated by lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide producing bacteria, which provide protection against infections by maintaining a low pH. Changes in the bacterial compositions of the vaginal microbiome can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is often associated with vaginal inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and affects women's reproductive health negatively. In pregnant women, BV can lead to chorioamnionitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm premature rupture of the membranes and preterm birth. In order to manage BV effectively, good diagnostic procedures are required. Traditionally clinical and microscopic methods have been used to diagnose BV; however, these methods require skilled staff and time and suffer from reduced sensitivity and specificity. New diagnostics, including highly sensitive and specific point-of-care (POC) tests, treatment modalities and vaccines can be developed based on the identification of biomarkers from the growing pool of vaginal microbiome and vaginal metabolome data. In this review the current and future diagnostic avenues will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathys J. Redelinghuys
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janri Geldenhuys
- UP-Ampath Translational Genomics Initiative, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Division of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hyunsul Jung
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marleen M. Kock
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
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Mauries C, Ranisavljevic N, Gallet R, Fournier A, Gala A, Ferrières-Hoa A, Brouillet S, Hamamah S. [Assessment of genital microbiota: An emerging approach in assisted reproductive techniques]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 49:185-192. [PMID: 32758671 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The genital microbiota actively participates in women's reproductive health. Indeed, a genital dysbiosis (microbial imbalance associated with adverse effects on host health) can lead to vaginal infections (such as mycoses or bacterial vaginosis). Recent data reported that genital dysbiosis (e.g. vaginal or endometrial) was associated with fewer chances of live births in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), via decreased pregnancy rates and an increased risk of miscarriages. The presence or diversity of certain bacterial strains (in particular Gardenellavaginalis, Proteobacteria, Lactobacillusjensenii, Lactobacilluscrispatus or Atopobiumvaginae) within the genital microbiota seem to be associated with the outcomes of ART cycles, suggesting new approaches to improve ART results. In this review, we aim at presenting the state of art on the association between the female genital microbiota and ART success. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches (i.e. probiotics, antibiotic therapy and transplantation of vaginal microbiota) in the management of patients with altered microbiota will also be discussed. The confirmation of these data in the coming years could significantly improve the management of infertile patients in ART with a more personalized approach partially based on the female genital microbiotic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mauries
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - N Ranisavljevic
- Département de médecine de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - R Gallet
- Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - A Fournier
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - A Gala
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - A Ferrières-Hoa
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - S Brouillet
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Centre clinique et biologique d'assistance médicale à la procréation, centre d'étude et de conservation des œufs et du sperme humains (CECOS), centre hospitalier universitaire de Grenoble, hôpital Couple-enfant, 38700 La Tronche, France.
| | - S Hamamah
- Département de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Montpellier, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; Inserm 1203, développement embryonnaire précoce humain et pluripotence, université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France.
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Ahrens P, Andersen LO, Lilje B, Johannesen TB, Dahl EG, Baig S, Jensen JS, Falk L. Changes in the vaginal microbiota following antibiotic treatment for Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis and bacterial vaginosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236036. [PMID: 32722712 PMCID: PMC7386580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human vagina harbor a rich microbiota. The optimal state is dominated by lactobacilli that help to maintain health and prevent various diseases. However, the microbiota may rapidly change to a polymicrobial state that has been linked to a number of diseases. In the present study, the temporal changes of the vaginal microbiota in patients treated for sexually transmitted diseases or bacterial vaginosis (BV) and in untreated controls were studied for 26 days. The patients included 52 women treated with azithromycin, tetracyclines or moxifloxacin for present or suspected infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Mycoplasma genitalium. Women with concurrent BV were also treated with metronidazole. The controls were 10 healthy women of matching age. The microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene deep sequencing, specific qPCRs and microscopy. There was generally good correlation between Nugent score and community state type (CST) and qPCR confirmed the sequencing results. By sequencing, more than 600 different taxa were found, but only 33 constituted more than 1 ‰ of the sequences. In both patients and controls the microbiota could be divided into three different community state types, CST-I, CST-III and CST-IV. Without metronidazole, the microbiota remained relatively stable regarding CST although changes were seen during menstrual periods. Administration of metronidazole changed the microbiota from CST-IV to CST-III in approximately 50% of the treated patients. In contrast, the CST was generally unaffected by azithromycin or tetracyclines. In 30% of the BV patients, Gardnerella vaginalis was not eradicated by metronidazole. The majority of women colonized with Ureaplasma parvum remained positive after azithromycin while U. urealyticum was eradicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ahrens
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail: (PA); (JSJ); (LF)
| | - Lee O’Brien Andersen
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Berit Lilje
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thor Bech Johannesen
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ebba Gomez Dahl
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sharmin Baig
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Skov Jensen
- Department of Bacteriology, Parasitology and Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail: (PA); (JSJ); (LF)
| | - Lars Falk
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail: (PA); (JSJ); (LF)
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Joag V, Obila O, Gajer P, Scott MC, Dizzell S, Humphrys M, Shahabi K, Huibner S, Shannon B, Tharao W, Mureithi M, Oyugi J, Kimani J, Kaushic C, Ravel J, Anzala O, Kaul R. Impact of Standard Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment on the Genital Microbiota, Immune Milieu, and Ex Vivo Human Immunodeficiency Virus Susceptibility. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:1675-1683. [PMID: 30407498 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital immunology is a key determinant of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility. Both factors are modulated by bacterial vaginosis (BV) and, to some extent, by Lactobacillus iners, the genital Lactobacillus spp. that predominates in African, Caribbean, and other Black (ACB) women. We conducted a clinical trial to assess the impact of oral metronidazole treatment on the genital immune parameters of HIV acquisition risks in Kenyan women with BV. METHODS The primary endpoint was ex vivo cervical CD4+ T-cell HIV susceptibility after 1 month; secondary endpoints included genital cytokine/chemokine levels, cervical immune cell populations, and the composition of the cervico-vaginal microbiota by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS BV resolved (Nugent score ≤ 3) at 1 month in 20/45 participants, and cervical CD4+ T-cell HIV entry was moderately reduced in all participants, regardless of treatment outcome. Resolution of BV and reduced abundances of BV-associated gram-negative taxa correlated with reduced genital interleukin (IL)-1α/β. However, BV resolution and the concomitant colonization by Lactobacillus iners substantially increased several genital chemokines associated with HIV acquisition, including interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α, and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG). In an independent cohort of ACB women, most of whom were BV-free, vaginal chemokines were again closely linked with L. iners abundance, though not other Lactobacillus spp. CONCLUSIONS BV treatment reduced genital CD4+ T-cell HIV susceptibility and IL-1 levels, but dramatically increased the genital chemokines that may enhance HIV susceptibility; the latter effect was related to the restoration of an Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbiota. Further studies are needed before treatment of asymptomatic BV can be recommended for HIV prevention in ACB communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Joag
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Onyango Obila
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Milcah Carol Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Sara Dizzell
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Michael Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | | | | | - Brett Shannon
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Marianne Mureithi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
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50
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Lehtoranta L, Hibberd AA, Reimari J, Junnila J, Yeung N, Maukonen J, Crawford G, Ouwehand AC. Recovery of Vaginal Microbiota After Standard Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis Infection: An Observational Study. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060875. [PMID: 32527048 PMCID: PMC7355544 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV) affect negatively women’s health. Understanding vaginal microbiota fluctuations in BV during and after antibiotic treatment would facilitate accurate decision-making on the treatment regimen, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, and potentially mitigate recurrence. We investigated vaginal microbiota composition of 30 women with BV before and after 5-day metronidazole treatment and compared the results with 30 healthy women. Vaginal microbiota was assessed by Nugent score and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in swabs on baseline Day 1, and on Day 8 and 15, after completion of antibiotic treatment by women with BV. Prior to antibiotic treatment (Day 1), BV-positive women were dominated by Lactobacillus iners (25.8%), Prevotella timonensis/bivia (18.0%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (14.6%), whereas healthy women were dominated by L. iners (37.5%) and Lactobacillus crispatus/acidophilus (19.2%). On Day 8, L. iners abundance increased in BV-treated women being significantly higher compared with healthy women (67.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.049). On Day 15, the relative abundance of all microbial taxa was similar between the groups. Vaginal microbiota of women with BV shifted to resemble that of healthy controls after metronidazole. Sequencing analysis provides more in-depth understanding of changes in vaginal microbiota. The role of L. iners in vaginal health and dysbiosis requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Lehtoranta
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashley A. Hibberd
- Genomics & Microbiome Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, 4300 Duncan Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Jenni Reimari
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Jouni Junnila
- 4Pharma Ltd., Arkadiankatu 7, 00100 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Nicolas Yeung
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Johanna Maukonen
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Gordon Crawford
- CPS Research, 3 Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow G20 0SP, UK;
| | - Arthur C. Ouwehand
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
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