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Burris HH, Yang N, Riis V, Valeri L, South EC, Ravel J, Elovitz MA. The role of neighborhood deprivation in the cervicovaginal microbiota. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101291. [PMID: 38246324 PMCID: PMC10948309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101291] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota is associated with spontaneous preterm birth and is more common among Black individuals. Persistent racial segregation in the United States has led to differential neighborhood exposures by race that can affect pregnancy outcomes. The extent to which neighborhood exposures may explain racial differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether neighborhood deprivation, defined as material community deprivation, is associated with a Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota in a prospective cohort of pregnant individuals. Our hypothesis was that racial differences in neighborhood deprivation may explain the higher prevalence of Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota in Black birthing people. STUDY DESIGN This study analyzed data from Motherhood and Microbiome, a prospective pregnancy cohort enrolled from prenatal clinics in a single hospital system 2013-2016 in which a Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota was previously shown to be associated with spontaneous preterm birth. This study geocoded addresses to obtain census tract neighborhood deprivation data from the Brokamp Nationwide Community Deprivation Index that uses weighted proportions of poverty, income, public assistance, lack of health insurance, and vacant housing. Generalized linear mixed models quantified associations of deprivation with the cervicovaginal microbiota accounting for geographic clustering by census tract and potential confounders. Because of different distributions of neighborhood deprivation and the cervicovaginal microbiota, race-stratified models were used. Mediation analyses quantified the extent to which deprivation may contribute to racial differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota. RESULTS Higher neighborhood deprivation was associated with a Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota. Per standard deviation increment of deprivation, participants had 28% higher adjusted odds (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.58) of a Lactobacillus-deficient microbiota. Black participants had higher odds of a Lactobacillus-deficient microbiota than White participants (adjusted odds ratio, 4.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.05-8.26), and mediation analysis revealed that deprivation accounted for 22% (P=.046) of that disparity. CONCLUSION Neighborhood deprivation was associated with Lactobacillus-deficient cervicovaginal microbiota and may partially explain Black-White disparities in the cervicovaginal microbiota. Mechanistic studies to explore how environmental exposures modify the cervicovaginal microbiota are warranted to identify novel opportunities for future interventional strategies to prevent preterm birth. As the findings demonstrate a potential biological effect from neighborhood conditions, policies that drive urban planning should be explored to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather H Burris
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Burris); Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Burris); Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (Dr Burris).
| | - Nancy Yang
- University of California San Francisco Medical School, San Francisco, CA (Ms. Yang)
| | - Valerie Riis
- Women's Biomedical Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY (Ms. Riis and Dr. Elovitz)
| | - Linda Valeri
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY (Dr. Valeri)
| | - Eugenia C South
- Penn Urban Health Lab, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (Dr. South)
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr. Ravel)
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Women's Biomedical Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY (Ms. Riis and Dr. Elovitz); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY (Dr. Elovitz)
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Mancilla V, Jimenez NR, Bishop NS, Flores M, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. The Vaginal Microbiota, Human Papillomavirus Infection, and Cervical Carcinogenesis: A Systematic Review in the Latina Population. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00201-z. [PMID: 38407720 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latina women experience disproportionately higher rates of HPV infection, persistence, and progression to cervical dysplasia and cancer compared to other racial-ethnic groups. This systematic review explores the relationship between the cervicovaginal microbiome and human papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer in Latinas. METHODS The review abides by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from January 2000 through November 11, 2022. The review included observational studies reporting on the cervicovaginal microbiota in premenopausal Latina women with human papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. RESULTS Twenty-five articles were eligible for final inclusion (N = 131,183). Forty-two unique bacteria were reported in the cervicovaginal microbiome of Latinas. Seven bacteria: Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Chlamydia trachomatis, Prevotella spp., Prevotella amnii, Fusobacterium spp. and Sneathia spp. were enriched across multiple stages of cervical carcinogenesis in Latinas. Therefore, the total number of reported bacteria includes four bacteria associated with the healthy state, 16 bacteria enriched in human papillomavirus outcomes, 24 unique bacteria associated with abnormal cytology/dysplasia, and five bacteria associated with cervical cancer. Furthermore, three studies reported significantly higher alpha and beta diversity in Latinas with cervical dysplasia and cancer compared to controls. Lactobacillus depletion and an increased abundance of L. iners in Latinas compared to non-Latinas, regardless of human papillomavirus status or lesions, were observed. CONCLUSIONS The identification of 42 unique bacteria and their enrichment in cervical carcinogenesis can guide future cervicovaginal microbiome research to better inform cervical cancer prevention strategies in Latinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Mancilla
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 425 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-2157, USA
| | - Nicole R Jimenez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 425 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-2157, USA
| | - Naomi S Bishop
- Associate Librarian, University of Arizona Health Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Melissa Flores
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1200 E University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 425 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-2157, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 425 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-2157, USA.
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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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Hormonal contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20325. [PMID: 36434126 PMCID: PMC9700818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There are 150 million women worldwide using combined or progestogen-only hormonal contraceptive methods who may be at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Previous systematic reviews that have sought to establish whether there is an aetiological association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and STIs have been limited in their methods and have mixed findings. We sought to update these reviews using appropriate control groups. We undertook a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of all hormonal contraceptive methods and the acquisition of STIs (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis/Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and/or bacterial vaginosis in literature published between 2005 and 2020. We analysed the effect of hormonal contraceptive methods/use separately on the prevalence, incidence and recurrence of STIs. A total of 37 studies were included in this review that reported 61 associations, in which 27 prevalence, eight incidence and two recurrence studies provided 43, 16, and two associations, respectively. We observed a positive association between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and the risk of chlamydia and herpes but a negative association for trichomoniasis and vaginosis. A negative but statistically insignificant association was observed between hormonal contraceptive methods/use and gonorrhoea. Hormonal contraceptive methods/use influences a woman's risk of STIs/ bacterial vaginosis, but the risk may differ depending on the type of STI. These findings should be contextualized carefully, particularly when formulating practice guidelines and policy, as the effects of hormonal contraceptive methods/use on the risk of STIs varied in direction when analysed separately by STI.
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Hou K, Wu ZX, Chen XY, Wang JQ, Zhang D, Xiao C, Zhu D, Koya JB, Wei L, Li J, Chen ZS. Microbiota in health and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:135. [PMID: 35461318 PMCID: PMC9034083 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 478] [Impact Index Per Article: 239.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of microbiota in health and diseases is being highlighted by numerous studies since its discovery. Depending on the localized regions, microbiota can be classified into gut, oral, respiratory, and skin microbiota. The microbial communities are in symbiosis with the host, contributing to homeostasis and regulating immune function. However, microbiota dysbiosis can lead to dysregulation of bodily functions and diseases including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, respiratory diseases, etc. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of how microbiota links to host health or pathogenesis. We first summarize the research of microbiota in healthy conditions, including the gut-brain axis, colonization resistance and immune modulation. Then, we highlight the pathogenesis of microbiota dysbiosis in disease development and progression, primarily associated with dysregulation of community composition, modulation of host immune response, and induction of chronic inflammation. Finally, we introduce the clinical approaches that utilize microbiota for disease treatment, such as microbiota modulation and fecal microbial transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijian Hou
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Longhu Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515000, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Xuan-Yu Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Jing-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Dongya Zhang
- Microbiome Research Center, Moon (Guangzhou) Biotech Ltd, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Chuanxing Xiao
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Longhu Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515000, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Longhu Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515000, China
| | - Jagadish B Koya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Liuya Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, China
| | - Jilin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515000, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
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Pramanick R, Nathani N, Warke H, Mayadeo N, Aranha C. Vaginal Dysbiotic Microbiome in Women With No Symptoms of Genital Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:760459. [PMID: 35096634 PMCID: PMC8790106 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.760459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in determining the progression of female genital tract infections; however, little is known about the vaginal microbiota of Indian women. We aimed to investigate the vaginal microbial architecture of women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) (n=20) and normal microbiota (n=19). Microbial diversity was analyzed in vaginal swabs from regularly menstruating women (18-45yrs) by 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon (MiSeq Illumina) sequencing. Rarefaction analysis showed a higher number of species in normal flora compared to BV. Alpha diversity as measured by Pielou’s evenness revealed microbial diversity was significantly greater in BV samples than normal microbiota (p= 0.0165). Beta diversity comparison using UniFrac metrics indicated distinct microbial communities clustering between normal and BV flora. Firmicutes were the major phyla observed in vaginal specimens of normal microbiota whereas Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes were significantly abundant in BV samples. Notably, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly high in normal microbiota. Conversely Gardnerella, Sneathia, Prevotella, Atopobium, Ureaplasma, Dialister significantly dominated dysbiotic microbiota. Relative frequency of Lactobacillus decreased significantly in BV (6%) as compared to normal microbiota (35.2%). L. fermentum, L. gasseri, L. iners, L. jensenii, L. mucosae, L. ruminis, L. salivarius, L. coleohominis was more exclusively present in normal microbiota. L. iners was detected from both the groups with a relative frequency of 50.4% and 17.2% in normal and BV microbiota respectively. Lefse analysis indicated Atopobium vaginae, Sneathia amnii, Mycoplasma hominis Prevotella disiens in the vaginal microbiota as a biomarker for dysbiosis and L. jensenii as a biomarker of a healthy microbiota. Firmicutes were negatively correlated to Tenericutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria. Proteobacteria positively correlated to Tenericutes, and Bacteroidetes were shown to be positively correlated to Fusobacteria. Predicted functional analysis indicated differences in the functional profiles between BV and normal microbiota. Normal microbiota utilized pathways essential for phosphatidylglycerol biosynthesis I & II, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, geranylgeranyl diphosphate biosynthesis I, mevalonate pathway, CoA biosynthesis pathway I and pyrimidine nucleotide salvage; whereas BV bacteria had characteristic aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway, carbohydrate degradation. In conclusion, women with asymptomatic BV have vaginal microbiota significantly different than women with normal microbiota. Furthermore, the study provides insights into the vaginal microbial structure of Indian women that will enable us to explore the prospective candidates for restoring the vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Pramanick
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Neelam Nathani
- School of Applied Sciences & Technology (SAST-GTU), Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Himangi Warke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, India
| | - Niranjan Mayadeo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Mumbai, India
| | - Clara Aranha
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
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Jansåker F, Frimodt-Møller N, Li X, Sundquist K. Novel risk factors associated with common vaginal infections: a nationwide primary healthcare cohort study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 116:380-386. [PMID: 35038603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between potential risk factors and common vaginal infections, using nationwide primary healthcare and other national register. METHODS An open cohort study consisting of 2 357 711 women aged 15-50 years (2001-2018) was conducted in Sweden. The outcomes were first event of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in relation to sociodemographic factors. Cox regression models were used. Sensitivity analyses including diabetes mellitus, contraceptive use, and cervical cancer were conducted. RESULTS The incidence rates per 1000 person-years for VVC and BV were 3.3 (95% CI 3.2-3.3) and 3.4 (95% CI 3.4-3.4), respectively. In the fully adjusted model, sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with both outcomes. Compared to Swedish-born women, women from Middle East/North Africa had the highest risk of VVC (HR 2.77, 95% CI, 2.72-2.83), followed by Africa (excluding North Africa) (HR 2.53, 95% CI, 2.45-2.61), and Latin America and the Caribbean (HR 2.18, 95% CI, 2.09-2.27). For BV, women from Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest risk (HR 1.83, 95% CI, 1.75-1.92). CONCLUSION This study presents novel risk factors associated with medically attended vaginal infections. Women from non-western countries seem to suffer disproportionately from these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Jansåker
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Department of Functional Pathology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
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De Seta F, Lonnee-Hoffmann R, Campisciano G, Comar M, Verstraelen H, Vieira-Baptista P, Ventolini G, Lev-Sagie A. The Vaginal Microbiome: III. The Vaginal Microbiome in Various Urogenital Disorders. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:85-92. [PMID: 34928258 PMCID: PMC8719503 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This series of articles, titled The Vaginal Microbiome (VMB), written on behalf of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, aims to summarize the recent findings and understanding of the vaginal bacterial microbiota, mainly regarding areas relevant to clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of PubMed database was performed, using the search terms "vaginal microbiome" with "Candida," "vaginitis," "urinary microbiome," "recurrent urinary tract infections," "sexually transmitted infections," "human immunodeficiency virus," "human papillomavirus," "nonspecific vaginitis," "vulvodynia," and "vulvovaginal symptoms." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. The third article in this series describes VMB in various urogenital disorders. RESULTS Variable patterns of the VMB are found in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, challenging the idea of a protective role of lactobacilli. Highly similar strains of health-associated commensal bacteria are shared in both the bladder and vagina of the same individual and may provide protection against urinary tract infections. Dysbiotic VMB increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Loss of vaginal lactic acid-producing bacteria combined with elevated pH, increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, although the exact protective mechanisms of the VMB against sexually transmitted infections are still unknown. CONCLUSIONS The VMB may constitute a biological barrier to pathogenic microorganisms. When the predominance of lactobacilli community is disrupted, there is an increased risk for the acquisition of various vaginal pathogents. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe the association between the host, bacterial, and fungal components of the VMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Risa Lonnee-Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Distinguish University Professor, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, Odessa, TX
| | - Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Armstrong E, Kaul R. Beyond bacterial vaginosis: vaginal lactobacilli and HIV risk. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:239. [PMID: 34893070 PMCID: PMC8665571 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
HIV incidence continues to be unacceptably high in Eastern and Southern Africa, with women disproportionately affected. An increased per-contact risk of HIV acquisition among African, Caribbean, and other Black (ACB) women has been associated with the higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in these communities, wherein the vaginal microbiota is predominated by diverse pro-inflammatory anaerobic bacteria. However, while the vaginal microbiota in BV-free women is typically predominated by one of several different Lactobacillus spp., the degree of HIV protection afforded by a Lactobacillus-predominant vaginal microbiota also varies considerably. Specifically, L. crispatus is associated with an immunoregulatory genital immune environment, exclusion of BV-associated bacteria, and reduced HIV risk. In contrast, less HIV protection or exclusion of BV-associated bacteria and fewer immune benefits have been associated with L. iners-which is unfortunately the most common Lactobacillus species among ACB women. These species-specific clinical differences are underpinned by substantial genomic differences between Lactobacillus species: for instance, the much smaller genome of L. iners lacks the coding sequence for D-lactic acid dehydrogenase and cannot produce the D-lactate isomer that enhances HIV trapping in mucus but encodes for epithelial cell toxins and stress resistance proteins that may enhance bacterial survival in the context of microbiota and environmental fluctuations. While more studies are needed to elucidate whether differences in HIV protection between Lactobacillus species are due to direct genital immune effects or the exclusion of proinflammatory BV-associated bacteria, the current body of work suggests that for BV treatment to succeed as an HIV prevention strategy, it may be necessary to induce a vaginal microbiota that is predominated by specific (non-iners) Lactobacillus species. Video abstract.
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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
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Immunodeficiency Clinic, Toronto, Canada
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Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing Compared With Cultures, Gram Stain, and Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Vaginitis. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2021; 25:76-80. [PMID: 33347046 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas vaginalis. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of women with (n = 200) and without (n = 100) vulvovaginal symptoms was enrolled from outpatient gynecology offices and a vulvovaginal referral clinic. Vaginal swabs were analyzed by wet mount microscopy, yeast culture, Gram stain, T. vaginalis culture, and NAAT. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. RESULTS Among symptomatic women, the sensitivity of microscopy was 48.5% for VVC and 75% for T. vaginalis. Sensitivities of NAAT and culture for diagnosing VVC were 92.4% and 83.3%, respectively, whereas these methods were 100% and 93.8% for T. vaginalis. The sensitivity for bacterial vaginosis diagnosis by clinical criteria ("Amsel criteria"), Gram stain, and NAAT were 98.7%, 82.7%, and 78.7%, respectively. Test concordance rates were high between culture and NAAT for Candida species (91%) and between Gram stain and NAAT for the detection of bacterial vaginosis (88%). Among asymptomatic women, 20%-21% tested positive for bacterial vaginosis by Gram stain or NAAT, and 8%-13% were colonized with Candida species based on culture or NAAT. CONCLUSIONS Given the limitations of wet mount sensitivity for VVC and T. vaginalis, culture or NAAT testing should be considered when evaluating women with symptoms of vaginitis who test negative by microscopy. Although Amsel criteria accurately diagnosed bacterial vaginosis, NAAT is preferred for detection of T. vaginalis and performed similarly to culture for the diagnosis of VVC.
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Daubert E, Weber KM, French AL, Seidman D, Michel K, Gustafson D, Murphy K, Muzny CA, Alcaide M, Sheth A, Adimora AA, Spear GT. Obesity is associated with lower bacterial vaginosis prevalence in menopausal but not pre-menopausal women in a retrospective analysis of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248136. [PMID: 33684141 PMCID: PMC7939367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota is known to impact women's health, but the biological factors that influence the composition of the microbiota are not fully understood. We previously observed that levels of glycogen in the lumen of the vagina were higher in women that had a high body mass index (BMI). Vaginal glycogen is thought to impact the composition of the vaginal microbiota. We therefore sought to determine if BMI was associated having or not having bacterial vaginosis (BV), as determined by the Amsel criteria. We also hypothesized that increased blood glucose levels could lead to the previously-observed higher vaginal glycogen levels and therefore investigated if hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with BV. We analyzed data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study using multiple multivariable (GEE) logistic regression models to assess the relationship between BMI, BV and blood glucose. Women with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese) had a lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.87 (0.79-0.97), p = 0.009) of BV compared to the reference group (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). There was a significantly lower rate of BV in post-menopausal obese women compared to the post-menopausal reference group, but not in pre-menopausal women. HIV- post-menopausal obese women had a significantly lower rate of BV, but this was not seen in HIV+ post-menopausal obese women. Pre-menopausal women with a higher hemoglobin A1c (≥6.5%) had a significantly lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.66 (0.49-0.91), p = 0.010) of BV compared to pre-menopausal women with normal hemoglobin A1c levels (<5.7%), but there was no difference in post-menopausal women. This study shows an inverse association of BMI with BV in post-menopausal women and hemoglobin A1c with BV in pre-menopausal women. Further studies are needed to confirm these relationships in other cohorts across different reproductive stages and to identify underlying mechanisms for these observed associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Daubert
- Cook County Health/Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Weber
- Cook County Health/Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Audrey L. French
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Dominika Seidman
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Michel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Deborah Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Kerry Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore at AECOM, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Maria Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anandi Sheth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Gregory T. Spear
- Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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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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Glycan cross-feeding supports mutualism between Fusobacterium and the vaginal microbiota. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000788. [PMID: 32841232 PMCID: PMC7447053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome, are more likely to be colonized by potential pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium linked with intrauterine infection and preterm birth. However, the conditions and mechanisms supporting pathogen colonization during vaginal dysbiosis remain obscure. We demonstrate that sialidase activity, a diagnostic feature of BV, promoted F. nucleatum foraging and growth on mammalian sialoglycans, a nutrient resource that was otherwise inaccessible because of the lack of endogenous F. nucleatum sialidase. In mice with sialidase-producing vaginal microbiotas, mutant F. nucleatum unable to consume sialic acids was impaired in vaginal colonization. These experiments in mice also led to the discovery that F. nucleatum may also “give back” to the community by reinforcing sialidase activity, a biochemical feature of human dysbiosis. Using human vaginal bacterial communities, we show that F. nucleatum supported robust outgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, a major sialidase producer and one of the most abundant organisms in BV. These results illustrate that mutually beneficial relationships between vaginal bacteria support pathogen colonization and may help maintain features of dysbiosis. These findings challenge the simplistic dogma that the mere absence of “healthy” lactobacilli is the sole mechanism that creates a permissive environment for pathogens during vaginal dysbiosis. Given the ubiquity of F. nucleatum in the human mouth, these studies also suggest a possible mechanism underlying links between vaginal dysbiosis and oral sex. Bacterial mutualism involving the prominent oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum may drive vaginal dysbiosis in women and could help to explain the clinical correlations between vaginal dysbiosis and oral sex.
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Odogwu NM, Olayemi OO, Omigbodun AO. The vaginal microbiome of sub-Saharan African women: revealing important gaps in the era of next-generation sequencing. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9684. [PMID: 32879794 PMCID: PMC7441984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate characterization of the vaginal microbiome remains a fundamental goal of the Human Microbiome project (HMP). For over a decade, this goal has been made possible deploying high-throughput next generation sequencing technologies (NGS), which indeed has revolutionized medical research and enabled large-scale genomic studies. The 16S rRNA marker-gene survey is the most commonly explored approach for vaginal microbial community studies. With this approach, prior studies have elucidated substantial variations in the vaginal microbiome of women from different ethnicities. This review provides a comprehensive account of studies that have deployed this approach to describe the vaginal microbiota of African women in health and disease. On the basis of published data, the few studies reported from the African population are mainly in non-pregnant post pubertal women and calls for more detailed studies in pregnant and postnatal cohorts. We provide insight on the use of more sophisticated cutting-edge technologies in characterizing the vaginal microbiome. These technologies offer high-resolution detection of vaginal microbiome variations and community functional capabilities, which can shed light into several discrepancies observed in the vaginal microbiota of African women in an African population versus women of African descent in the diaspora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechi Martina Odogwu
- Pan African University of Life and Earth Science Institute, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Oladapo O. Olayemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Akinyinka O. Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
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Łaniewski P, Ilhan ZE, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. The microbiome and gynaecological cancer development, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 17:232-250. [PMID: 32071434 PMCID: PMC9977514 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-0286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT), similar to other mucosal sites, harbours a site-specific microbiome, which has an essential role in maintaining health and homeostasis. In the majority of women of reproductive age, the microbiota of the lower FRT (vagina and cervix) microenvironment is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which benefit the host through symbiotic relationships. By contrast, the upper FRT (uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries) might be sterile in healthy individuals or contain a low-biomass microbiome with a diverse mixture of microorganisms. When dysbiosis occurs, altered immune and metabolic signalling can affect hallmarks of cancer, including chronic inflammation, epithelial barrier breach, changes in cellular proliferation and apoptosis, genome instability, angiogenesis and metabolic dysregulation. These pathophysiological changes might lead to gynaecological cancer. Emerging evidence shows that genital dysbiosis and/or specific bacteria might have an active role in the development and/or progression and metastasis of gynaecological malignancies, such as cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers, through direct and indirect mechanisms, including modulation of oestrogen metabolism. Cancer therapies might also alter microbiota at sites throughout the body. Reciprocally, microbiota composition can influence the efficacy and toxic effects of cancer therapies, as well as quality of life following cancer treatment. Modulation of the microbiome via probiotics or microbiota transplant might prove useful in improving responsiveness to cancer treatment and quality of life. Elucidating these complex host-microbiome interactions, including the crosstalk between distal and local sites, will translate into interventions for prevention, therapeutic efficacy and toxic effects to enhance health outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Łaniewski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Zehra Esra Ilhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA,UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Phoenix/Tucson, AZ, USA,Correspondence:
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16
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Bacterial vaginosis-associated vaginal microbiota is an age-independent risk factor for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis infections in low-risk women, St. Petersburg, Russia. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1221-1230. [PMID: 32036466 PMCID: PMC7303053 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03831-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The large majority of studies investigating associations between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been conducted among predominantly young women with high risk for STIs. Since a risky sexual behavior is a significant risk factor for both STIs and BV, this creates a bias toward an increased association between BV and STIs. This study evaluated associations between BV-associated vaginal microbiota and STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) in a population of women with low risk for STIs and investigated STI outcomes depending on the dominating Lactobacillus species. Repository cervicovaginal samples collected from reproductive-age women from January 2014 to February 2019 were characterized for vaginal microbiota types and the STIs using multiplex real-time PCR assays. In total, 95 STI-positive and 91 STI-negative samples were included. A significant, age-independent association between BV-associated vaginal microbiota and the presence of C. trachomatis, M. genitalium, and T. vaginalis infections was identified (age-adjusted odds ratios 2.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–7.03], 2.88 [95% CI 1.19–7.16], and 9.75 × 107 [95% CI 13.03-∞], respectively). Normal vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, or L. jensenii was a strong protective factor against C. trachomatis and/or M. genitalium infections, whereas L. iners-dominated microbiota was not significantly associated with C. trachomatis and/or M. genitalium positivity. The results of the present study confirm that STI prevention strategies should include interventions that also reduce the incidence of BV and promote a protective vaginal microbiota in both high- and low-risk women.
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Barrientos-Durán A, Fuentes-López A, de Salazar A, Plaza-Díaz J, García F. Reviewing the Composition of Vaginal Microbiota: Inclusion of Nutrition and Probiotic Factors in the Maintenance of Eubiosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12020419. [PMID: 32041107 PMCID: PMC7071153 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota has importance in preserving vaginal health and defending the host against disease. The advent of new molecular techniques and computer science has allowed researchers to discover microbial composition in depth and associate the structure of vaginal microbial communities. There is a consensus that vaginal flora is grouped into a restricted number of communities, although the structure of the community is constantly changing. Certain Community-State Types (CSTs) are more associated with poor reproductive outcomes and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) meanwhile, CSTs dominated by Lactobacillus species—particularly Lactobacillus crispatus—are more related to vaginal health. In this work, we have reviewed how modifiable and non-modifiable factors may affect normal vaginal microbiota homeostasis—including sexual behavior, race or ethnicity, and hygiene. Special interest has been given to how the use of probiotics, diet intake, and use of hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) can potentially impact vaginal microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barrientos-Durán
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes-López
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Adolfo de Salazar
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Julio Plaza-Díaz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix”, Biomedical Research Center, University of Granada, Armilla, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs GRANADA, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | - Federico García
- Hospital Clínico Universitario San Cecilio, Servicio de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigación ibs. GRANADA, Avenida de la Ilustración S/N, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
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18
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Bacterial vaginosis-A brief synopsis of the literature. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 245:143-148. [PMID: 31901667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects women of reproductive age and can either be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Approximately 50 % of women are symptomatic and experience vaginal malodor, discharge, itching and increased vaginal pH. BV can increase the risk of contracting many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). Though effective treatment options do exist, metronidazole or clindamycin, these methods have proven not to be effective long term. The purpose of this review is to summarize current literature on the epidemiology of BV and highlight areas of deficiency in current clinical practice with respect to BV. BV recurrence rates are high, approximately 80 % three months after effective treatment. Furthermore, in some instances treatment is ineffective and BV persists. Literature also documents the relationship between BV and human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection among young adult women while BV is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women of reproductive age. BV is associated with high levels of anaerobic organisms which can damage the vaginal epithelium and increase the risk of HPV infection. Recent research also highlights the role of the vaginal microbiome in BV. The results of this review warrant further exploration into the etiology of BV as well as exploration of more long-term effective treatment and the investigation of prognostic indicators. Additionally, the need for a standard definition of recurrent and persistent BV is recognized.
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Brookheart RT, Lewis WG, Peipert JF, Lewis AL, Allsworth JE. Association between obesity and bacterial vaginosis as assessed by Nugent score. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:476.e1-476.e11. [PMID: 30707966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.01.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis is 1 of the most common vaginal conditions in the United States. Recent studies have suggested that obese women have an abnormal microbiota reminiscent of bacterial vaginosis; however, few studies have investigated the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in overweight and obese populations. Moreover, despite the increased prevalence of obesity and bacterial vaginosis in black women, it is not known whether racial disparities exist in the relationship between obesity and bacterial vaginosis. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between body mass index and bacterial vaginosis as determined by Nugent score and to determine the influence of race in this context. STUDY DESIGN We performed a cross-sectional study using patient data and vaginal smears from 5918 participants of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. Gram-stained vaginal smears were scored with the Nugent method and categorized as bacterial vaginosis-negative (Nugent score, 0-3), bacterial vaginosis-intermediate (Nugent score, 4-6), or bacterial vaginosis-positive (Nugent score, 7-10). Body mass index was determined with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and obese individuals were categorized as class I, II, or III obese based on National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization body mass index parameters. Linear regression was used to model mean differences in Nugent scores; Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to model prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS In our cohort, 50.7% of participants were black; 41.5% were white, and 5.1% were of Hispanic ethnicity; the average age of 25.3 years old. Overall, 28.1% of participants were bacterial vaginosis-positive. Bacterial vaginosis was prevalent in 21.3% of lean, 30.4% of overweight, and 34.5% of obese women (P<.001). The distribution of bacterial vaginosis-intermediate individuals was similar across all body mass index categories. Compared with the scores of lean women, Nugent scores were highest among overweight and obese class I women (adjusted mean difference: overweight women, 0.33 [95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.51] and obese women, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.72]). Consistent with this, overweight and obese women had a higher frequency of bacterial vaginosis compared with lean women, even after adjustment for variables that included race. Among white women, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was higher for overweight and class I and class II/III obese white women compared with lean white women, which is a phenomenon not observed among black women and suggests an effect modification. CONCLUSION Overweight and obese women have higher Nugent scores and a greater occurrence of bacterial vaginosis compared with lean women. Black women have a greater prevalence of bacterial vaginosis independent of their body mass index compared with white women.
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Turpin R, Brotman RM, Miller RS, Klebanoff MA, He X, Slopen N. Perceived stress and incident sexually transmitted infections in a prospective cohort. Ann Epidemiol 2019; 32:20-27. [PMID: 30799204 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Psychosocial stress has been associated with susceptibility to many infectious pathogens. We evaluated the association between perceived stress and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs; Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis genital infections) in a prospective study of women. Stress may increase vulnerability to STIs by suppressing immune function and altering the protective vaginal microbiota. METHODS Using the 1999 Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora (n = 2439), a primarily African American cohort of women, we fitted Cox proportional hazards models to examine the association between perceived stress and incident STIs. We tested bacterial vaginosis (measured by Nugent Score) and sexual behaviors (condom use, number of partners, and partner concurrence) as mediators using VanderWeele's difference method. RESULTS Baseline perceived stress was associated with incident STIs both before and after adjusting for confounders (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.015; 95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.026). Nugent score and sexual behaviors significantly mediated 21% and 65% of this adjusted association, respectively, and 78% when included together in the adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS This study advances understanding of the relationship between perceived stress and STIs and identifies high-risk sexual behaviors and development of bacterial vaginosis-both known risk factors for STIs-as mechanisms underlying this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD.
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan S Miller
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mark A Klebanoff
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
| | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD
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Dunlop AL, Jordan SL, Ferranti EP, Hill CC, Patel S, Hao L, Corwin EJ, Tangpricha V. Total and Free 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D and Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnant African American Women. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2019; 2019:9426795. [PMID: 30692844 PMCID: PMC6332941 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9426795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study sought to investigate associations between serum total and free 25(OH)D and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in early and later pregnancy among US black women to provide insight into the most clinically relevant measure of vitamin D status among pregnant black women with respect to risk for BV as well as insights into critical time points for measuring and/or addressing vitamin D status in pregnancy. Methods Data and biospecimens were derived from a subsample (N = 137) of women from the Emory University African American Vaginal, Oral, and Gut Microbiome in Pregnancy Cohort, for whom data related to vitamin D status (serum assays for total and free 25(OH)D) and Nugent score of Gram stained vaginal specimens in early (8-14 weeks) and later (24-30 weeks) were available. We compared total and free 25(OH)D concentrations for women according to Nugent score category (normal flora, intermediate flora, and BV) and assessed the odds of BV according to measures of vitamin D status. Results Thirty-seven (27%) women had adequate vitamin D status at baseline, whereas 70 (51%) had insufficient vitamin D and 30 (22%) were vitamin D deficient; there were not significant differences in the proportion of women with adequate, insufficient, or deficient vitamin D according to Nugent score category. However, the odds of BV later in pregnancy were significantly higher for women who experienced a smaller rise in total 25(OH)D and free 25(OH)D from 8-14 through 24-30 weeks gestation. Conclusion The change in measures of vitamin D status from early to later pregnancy is associated with the occurrence of BV in pregnancy. Further research is needed to examine the association between the change in vitamin D status over pregnancy and the occurrence of BV and other measures of vaginal microbial composition as well as to identify factors that influence change in vitamin D status over pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Dunlop
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Sheila L. Jordan
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Erin P. Ferranti
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Cherie C. Hill
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shiven Patel
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Li Hao
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Corwin
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
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Valenti P, Rosa L, Capobianco D, Lepanto MS, Schiavi E, Cutone A, Paesano R, Mastromarino P. Role of Lactobacilli and Lactoferrin in the Mucosal Cervicovaginal Defense. Front Immunol 2018; 9:376. [PMID: 29545798 PMCID: PMC5837981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate defense system of the female mucosal genital tract involves a close and complex interaction among the healthy vaginal microbiota, different cells, and various proteins that protect the host from pathogens. Vaginal lactobacilli and lactoferrin represent two essential actors in the vaginal environment. Lactobacilli represent the dominant bacterial species able to prevent facultative and obligate anaerobes outnumber in vaginal microbiota maintaining healthy microbial homeostasis. Several mechanisms underlie the protection exerted by lactobacilli: competition for nutrients and tissue adherence, reduction of the vaginal pH, modulation of immunity, and production of bioactive compounds. Among bioactive factors of cervicovaginal mucosa, lactoferrin, an iron-binding cationic glycoprotein, is a multifunctional glycoprotein with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities, recently emerging as an important modulator of inflammation. Lactobacilli and lactoferrin are largely under the influence of female hormones and of paracrine production of various cytokines. Lactoferrin is strongly increased in lower genital tract mucosal fluid of women affected by Neisseria gonorrheae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infections promoting both innate and adaptive immune responses. In vaginal dysbiosis characterized by low amounts of vaginal lactobacilli and increased levels of endogenous anaerobic bacteria, the increase in lactoferrin could act as an immune modulator assuming the role normally played by the healthy microbiota in vaginal mucosa. Then lactoferrin and lactobacilli may be considered as biomarkers of altered microbial homeostasis at vaginal level. Considering the shortage of effective treatments to counteract recurrent and/or antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, the intravaginal administration of lactobacilli and lactoferrin could be a novel efficient therapeutic strategy and a valuable tool to restore mucosal immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Capobianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalba Paesano
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urological Sciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Unemo M, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS, de Vries HJC, Francis SC, Mabey D, Marrazzo JM, Sonder GJB, Schwebke JR, Hoornenborg E, Peeling RW, Philip SS, Low N, Fairley CK. Sexually transmitted infections: challenges ahead. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e235-e279. [PMID: 28701272 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 430] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHO estimated that nearly 1 million people become infected every day with any of four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Despite their high global incidence, STIs remain a neglected area of research. In this Commission, we have prioritised five areas that represent particular challenges in STI treatment and control. Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in high-income countries despite widespread testing recommendations, sensitive and specific non-invasive testing techniques, and cheap effective therapy. We discuss the challenges for chlamydia control and evidence to support a shift from the current focus on infection-based screening to improved management of diagnosed cases and of chlamydial morbidity, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is globally recognised. We review current and potential future control and treatment strategies, with a focus on novel antimicrobials. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal disorder in women, but current treatments are associated with frequent recurrence. Recurrence after treatment might relate to evidence that suggests sexual transmission is integral to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, which has substantial implications for the development of effective management approaches. STIs disproportionately affect low-income and middle-income countries. We review strategies for case management, focusing on point-of-care tests that hold considerable potential for improving STI control. Lastly, STIs in men who have sex with men have increased since the late 1990s. We discuss the contribution of new biomedical HIV prevention strategies and risk compensation. Overall, this Commission aims to enhance the understanding of some of the key challenges facing the field of STIs, and outlines new approaches to improve the clinical management of STIs and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerard J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan S Philip
- Disease Prevention and Control Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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24
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Vaginal Microbiome and Its Relationship to Behavior, Sexual Health, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Obstet Gynecol 2017; 129:643-654. [PMID: 28277350 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000001932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota has great significance in maintaining vaginal health and protecting the host from disease. Recent advances in molecular techniques and informatics allow researchers to explore microbial composition in detail and to compare the structure of vaginal microbial communities with behavior and health outcomes, particularly acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and poor birth outcomes. Vaginal flora have been found to cluster into a limited number of communities, although community structure is dynamic. Certain community types are more associated with poor reproductive outcomes and STDs; communities dominated by Lactobacillus species, particularly Lactobacillus crispatus, are most associated with vaginal health. Modifiable and nonmodifiable factors are strongly associated with community composition, including behavior, race or ethnicity, and hygiene. In this review, we describe the state of the science on the vaginal microbiome and its relationship to behavior, sexual health, and STDs, including determinants of the microbiome that go beyond an individual level.
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25
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Amegashie CP, Gilbert NM, Peipert JF, Allsworth JE, Lewis WG, Lewis AL. Relationship between nugent score and vaginal epithelial exfoliation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177797. [PMID: 28562623 PMCID: PMC5451030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Clue cells characteristic of bacterial vaginosis (BV) are thought to arise due to exfoliation of the vaginal epithelium; however, there is little published data connecting total numbers of epithelial cells to markers of BV. The purpose of this study was to enumerate exfoliated epithelial cells (independent of clue cells) and examine the relationship to Nugent score. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional sub-study of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project cohort. Vaginal swabs were used to create vaginal smears for Gram staining and these smears were later scored using the Nugent method, and then two blinded observers used microscopy to enumerate exfoliated epithelial cells. The degree of epithelial cell exfoliation was compared between women diagnosed as BV-negative (Nugent score 0–3), BV-intermediate (Nugent score 4–6), and BV-positive (Nugent score 7–10). BV specimens (Nugent 7–10) were randomly matched to specimens in the two other groups (Nugent low and Nugent-intermediate), in order to avoid comparing groups of women with potentially confounding baseline demographics. Results Exfoliated epithelial cell counts were higher in the vaginal smears from BV-positive women compared with BV-negative women. Higher levels of epithelial exfoliation were also evident in BV-intermediate women compared to those with low Nugent scores. After adjustment for clustering introduced by matching, the incidence ratio of increased epithelial cell counts was 2.09 (95% CI 1.50–2.90) for the BV-intermediate women and 1.71 (95% CI 1.23–2.38) for the BV positive women. Conclusion A vaginal epithelial exfoliation phenotype was measured in both Nugent-defined BV-positive and BV-intermediate women. Bacterial vaginosis and intermediate status (Nugent score >3) was associated with significantly more vaginal epithelial exfoliation compared to women with Lactobacillus-dominated microbiotas (Nugent 0–3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P. Amegashie
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Nicole M. Gilbert
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey F. Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Jenifer E. Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | - Warren G. Lewis
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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26
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Kamińska D, Gajecka M. Is the role of human female reproductive tract microbiota underestimated? Benef Microbes 2017; 8:327-343. [PMID: 28504576 DOI: 10.3920/bm2015.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An issue that is currently undergoing extensive study is the influence of human vaginal microbiota (VMB) on the health status of women and their neonates. Healthy women are mainly colonised with lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus iners; however, other bacteria may be elements of the VMB, particularly in women with bacterial vaginosis. The implementation of culture-independent molecular methods in VMB characterisation, especially next-generation sequencing, have provided new information regarding bacterial diversity in the vagina, revealing a large number of novel, fastidious, and/or uncultivated bacterial species. These molecular studies have contributed new insights regarding the role of bacterial community composition. In this study, we discuss recent findings regarding the reproductive tract microbiome. Not only bacteria but also viruses and fungi constitute important components of the reproductive tract microbiome. We focus on aspects related to the impact of the maternal microbiome on foetal development, as well as the establishment of the neonatal microbiomes, including the placenta microbiome, and the haematogenous source of intrauterine infection. We also discuss whether the role of the vaginal microbiome is currently understood and appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kamińska
- 1 Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - M Gajecka
- 1 Department of Genetics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland.,2 Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
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27
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Muzny CA, Schwebke JR. Pathogenesis of Bacterial Vaginosis: Discussion of Current Hypotheses. J Infect Dis 2017; 214 Suppl 1:S1-5. [PMID: 27449868 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In April 2015, the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases hosted an experts technical consultation on bacterial vaginosis (BV), where data regarding controversies over the pathogenesis of BV were discussed. The discussion on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of BV is presented here, and several hypotheses on its pathogenesis are critiqued. Rigorous hypothesis-driven studies are needed to ultimately determine the cause of BV. This information is vital for the prevention and control of this important infection and its adverse public health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Muzny
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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28
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Bradshaw CS, Sobel JD. Current Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis-Limitations and Need for Innovation. J Infect Dis 2017; 214 Suppl 1:S14-20. [PMID: 27449869 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Practitioners and patients alike widely recognize the limitations of current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Options remain extremely limited, and our inability to prevent the frequently, often relentless symptomatic recurrences of BV and to reduce serious sequelae such as preterm delivery, remains an acknowledged but unresolved shortcoming. Our incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of this unique form of vaginal dysbiosis has been a significant impediment to developing optimal treatment and prevention approaches. New drugs have not been forthcoming and are not likely to be available in the immediate future; hence, reliance on the optimal use of available agents has become essential as improvised often unproven regimens are implemented. In this review, we will explore the limitations of currently recommended therapies, with a particular focus on the contribution of reinfection and pathogen persistence to BV recurrence, and the development of interventions that target these mechanisms. Ultimately, to achieve sustained cure and effectiveness against BV-associated sequelae, it is possible that we will need approaches that combine antimicrobials with biofilm-disrupting agents and partner treatments in those at risk of reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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29
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Balkus JE, Srinivasan S, Anzala O, Kimani J, Andac C, Schwebke J, Fredricks DN, McClelland RS. Impact of Periodic Presumptive Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis on the Vaginal Microbiome among Women Participating in the Preventing Vaginal Infections Trial. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:723-731. [PMID: 28007924 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that specific vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in women. Among women participating in a randomized, double-blinded trial, we assessed the effect of periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) on detection of select vaginal bacteria. Methods High-risk women from the United States and Kenya with a recent vaginal infection received intravaginal metronidazole 750 mg plus miconazole 200 mg or placebo for 5 consecutive nights each month for 12 months. Vaginal fluid specimens were collected via polyester/polyethylene terephthalate swabs every other month and tested for bacteria, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The effect of PPT on bacterium detection was assessed among all participants and stratified by country. Results Of 234 women enrolled, 221 had specimens available for analysis. The proportion of follow-up visits with detectable quantities was lower in the PPT arm versus the placebo arm for the following bacteria: BVAB1, BVAB2, Atopobium vaginae, Leptotrichia/Sneathia, and Megasphaera. The magnitude of reductions was greater among Kenyan participants as compared to US participants. Conclusions Use of monthly PPT for 1 year reduced colonization with several bacteria strongly associated with BV. The role of PPT to improve vaginal health should be considered, and efforts to improve the impact of PPT regimens are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Balkus
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chloe Andac
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jane Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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30
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Relationship of Specific Bacteria in the Cervical and Vaginal Microbiotas With Cervicitis. Sex Transm Dis 2016; 42:475-481. [PMID: 26267872 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicitis is an inflammatory condition of the cervix associated with upper genital tract infection and reproductive complications. Although cervicitis can be caused by several known pathogens, the etiology frequently remains obscure. Here we investigate vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis as potential causes of cervicitis. METHODS Associations between vaginal bacteria and cervicitis were assessed in a retrospective case-control study of women attending a Seattle sexually transmitted disease clinic. Individual bacterial species were detected using 2 molecular methods: quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR with pyrosequencing. The primary finding from this initial study was evaluated using qPCR in a second cohort of Kenyan women. RESULTS The presence of Mageeibacillus indolicus, formerly BVAB3, in the cervix was associated with cervicitis, whereas the presence of Lactobacillus jensenii was inversely associated. Quantities of these bacteria did not differ between cervicitis cases and controls, although in a model inclusive of presence and abundance, M. indolicus remained significantly associated with cervicitis after adjustment for other cervicitis-causing pathogens. M. indolicus was not associated with cervicitis in our study of Kenyan women, possibly due to differences in the clinical definition of cervicitis. CONCLUSIONS Colonization of the endocervix with M. indolicus may contribute to the clinical manifestations of cervicitis, but further study is needed to determine whether this finding is repeatable and applicable to diverse groups of women. Colonization of the cervix with L. jensenii could be a marker of health, perhaps reducing inflammation or inhibiting pathogenic infection.
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31
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Woodman Z. Can one size fit all? Approach to bacterial vaginosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2016; 15:16. [PMID: 26968525 PMCID: PMC4787044 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-016-0132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with increased risk of sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-1). Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest BV and HIV-1 burden and yet very few studies have focused on understanding the aetiology of BV and its association with HIV in this region. It has been suggested that we need to accurately diagnose and treat BV to lower the risk of HIV infection globally. However, effective diagnosis requires knowledge of what constitutes a "healthy" cervicovaginal microbiome and current studies indicate that Lactobacillus crispatus might not be the only commensal protective against BV: healthy women from different countries and ethnicities harbour alternative commensals. Microbiotas associated with BV have also shown global variation, further complicating effective diagnosis via culture-based assays as some species are difficult to grow. Antibiotics and probiotics have been suggested to be key in controlling BV infection, but the efficacy of this treatment might rely on reconstituting endogenous commensals while targeting a specific species of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB). Alternatively, therapy could inhibit essential BV bacterial growth factors e.g. sialidases or provide anti-microbial compounds e.g. lactic acid associated with a healthy cervicovaginal microbiome. But without global investigation into the mechanism of BV pathogenesis and its association with HIV, selection of such compounds could be limited to Caucasian women from certain regions. To confirm this suggestion and guide future therapy we require standardised diagnostic assays and research methodologies. This review will focus on research papers that describe the global variation of BV aetiology and how this influences the identification of determinants of BV pathogenesis and potential probiotic and antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenda Woodman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
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32
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Dunlop AL, Mulle JG, Ferranti EP, Edwards S, Dunn AB, Corwin EJ. Maternal Microbiome and Pregnancy Outcomes That Impact Infant Health: A Review. Adv Neonatal Care 2015; 15:377-85. [PMID: 26317856 PMCID: PMC4658310 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The maternal microbiome is recognized as a key determinant of a range of important maternal and child health outcomes, and together with perinatal factors influences the infant microbiome. This article provides a summary review of research investigating (1) the role of the maternal microbiome in pregnancy outcomes known to adversely influence neonatal and infant health, including preterm birth, cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and excessive gestational weight gain; (2) factors with an established link to adverse pregnancy outcomes that are known to influence the composition of the maternal microbiome; and (3) strategies for promoting a healthy maternal microbiome, recognizing that much more research is needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Dunlop
- Emory University School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-712-8520 (phone); 404-727-6945 (fax)
| | - Jennifer G. Mulle
- Rollins School of Public Health & School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Emory University Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Erin P. Ferranti
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University,Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Sara Edwards
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University,Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Alexis B. Dunn
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University,Atlanta, GA 30322
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Thurman AR, Kimble T, Herold B, Mesquita PM, Fichorova RN, Dawood HY, Fashemi T, Chandra N, Rabe L, Cunningham TD, Anderson S, Schwartz J, Doncel G. Bacterial Vaginosis and Subclinical Markers of Genital Tract Inflammation and Mucosal Immunity. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015. [PMID: 26204200 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been linked to an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition and transmission in observational studies, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unknown. We measured biomarkers of subclinical vaginal inflammation, endogenous antimicrobial activity, and vaginal flora in women with BV and repeated sampling 1 week and 1 month after completion of metronidazole therapy. We also compared this cohort of women with BV to a healthy control cohort without BV. A longitudinal, open label study of 33 women with a Nugent score of 4 or higher was conducted. All women had genital swabs, cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) fluid, and cervicovaginal biopsies obtained at enrollment and received 7 days of metronidazole treatment. Repeat sampling was performed approximately 1 week and 1 month after completion of therapy. Participant's baseline samples were compared to a healthy, racially matched control group (n=13) without BV. The CVL from women with resolved BV (Nugent 0-3) had significantly higher anti-HIV activity, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and growth-related oncogene alpha (GRO-α) levels and their ectocervical tissues had significantly more CD8 cells in the epithelium. Women with persistent BV after treatment had significantly higher levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in the CVL. At study entry, participants had significantly greater numbers of CCR5(+) immune cells and a higher CD4/CD8 ratio in ectocervical tissues prior to metronidazole treatment, compared to a racially matched cohort of women with a Nugent score of 0-3. These data indicate that BV is associated with changes in select soluble immune mediators, an increase in HIV target cells, and a reduction in endogenous antimicrobial activity, which may contribute to the increased risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Kimble
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Betsy Herold
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hassan Y. Dawood
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Titilayo Fashemi
- Laboratory of Genital Tract Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lorna Rabe
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Jill Schwartz
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Gustavo Doncel
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
- CONRAD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Arlington, Virginia
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34
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Bradshaw CS, Brotman RM. Making inroads into improving treatment of bacterial vaginosis - striving for long-term cure. BMC Infect Dis 2015. [PMID: 26219949 PMCID: PMC4518586 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the great enigmas in women's health, a common condition of unknown aetiology, which is associated with significant morbidity and unacceptably high recurrence rates. While it remains unclear whether BV recurrence is predominantly due to failure of current antibiotic regimens to eradicate BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) and biofilm, a failure of some women to re-establish a resilient Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota, reinfection from sexual partners, or a combination of these factors, it is inherently challenging to make significant inroads towards this goal. In this review, we will outline why BV is such a clinical and epidemiologic conundrum, and focus on several key approaches that we believe merit discussion and clinical research, including strategies to: i) prevent reinfection (partner treatment trials), ii) boost favourable vaginal Lactobacillus species and promote a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiome (hormonal contraceptive and probiotic trials) and iii) disrupt vaginal BV-associated biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia. .,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Donders GGG, Zodzika J, Rezeberga D. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis: what we have and what we miss. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2014; 15:645-57. [PMID: 24579850 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2014.881800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The disturbing, foul-smelling discharge of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a nuisance to women. Treatment possibilities for BV are limited and only achieve complete cure in 65 to 85% of cases. In most women, the condition relapses within weeks to months after treatment. AREAS COVERED In search of new therapeutic actions to cure, prevent or delay recurrences of BV, PubMed and web of science were searched for papers with i) decent study layout, ii) proper statistics, iii) comparison group (placebo or standard treatment) and iv) language English, French, Dutch or German. The following keywords were used: bacterial vaginosis and treatment or management or therapy or prophylaxis or prevention. Results were grouped in treatment categories and were discussed. EXPERT OPINION Clindamycin and metronidazole are the standard drugs for BV. As other antibiotic and acidifying treatments are progressively being studied, like tinidazole, rifaximin, nitrofuran, dequalinium chloride, vitamin C and lactic acid, more options have become available for switching therapy, combining therapies and long-term prophylactic use to prevent recurrences. Further studies are needed. Also, adjuvant therapy with probiotics may have a significant role in improving efficacy and in preventing recurrences. However, it is unlikely that probiotics will replace antibiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert G G Donders
- Femicare, Clinical Research center for Women, Tienen and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Tienen , Belgium
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Characterization of the vaginal microbiota among sexual risk behavior groups of women with bacterial vaginosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80254. [PMID: 24236175 PMCID: PMC3827412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) remains elusive. BV may be more common among women who have sex with women (WSW). The objective of this study was to use 454 pyrosequencing to investigate the vaginal microbiome of WSW, women who have sex with women and men (WSWM), and women who have sex with men (WSM) with BV to determine if there are differences in organism composition between groups that may inform new hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of BV. METHODS Vaginal swab specimens from eligible women with BV at the Mississippi State Department of Health STD Clinic were used. After DNA extraction, 454 pyrosequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences was performed. Sequence data was classified using the Ribosomal Database Program classifer. Complete linkage clustering analysis was performed to compare bacterial community composition among samples. Differences in operational taxonomic units with an abundance of ≥ 2% between risk behavior groups were determined. Alpha and beta diversity were measured using Shannon's Index implemented in QIIME and Unifrac analysis, respectively. RESULTS 33 WSW, 35 WSWM, and 44 WSM were included. The vaginal bacterial communities of all women clustered into four taxonomic groups with the dominant taxonomic group in each being Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotella, and Sneathia. Regarding differences in organism composition between risk behavior groups, the abundance of Atopobium (relative ratio (RR)=0.24; 95%CI 0.11-0.54) and Parvimonas (RR=0.33; 95%CI 0.11-0.93) were significantly lower in WSW than WSM, the abundance of Prevotella was significantly higher in WSW than WSWM (RR=1.77; 95%CI 1.10-2.86), and the abundance of Atopobium (RR=0.41; 95%CI 0.18-0.88) was significantly lower in WSWM than WSM. Overall, WSM had the highest diversity of bacterial taxa. CONCLUSION The microbiology of BV among women in different risk behavior groups is heterogeneous. WSM in this study had the highest diversity of bacterial taxa. Additional studies are needed to better understand these differences.
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Brotman RM, Ravel J, Bavoil PM, Gravitt PE, Ghanem KG. Microbiome, sex hormones, and immune responses in the reproductive tract: challenges for vaccine development against sexually transmitted infections. Vaccine 2013; 32:1543-52. [PMID: 24135572 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The female and male reproductive tracts are complex eco-systems where immune cells, hormones, and microorganisms interact. The characteristics of the reproductive tract mucosa are distinct from other mucosal sites. Reproductive tract mucosal immune responses are compartmentalized, unique, and affected by resident bacterial communities and sex hormones. The female and male genital microbiomes are complex environments that fluctuate in response to external and host-associated stimuli. The female vaginal microbiota play an important role in preventing colonization by pathogenic organisms. Sex hormones and their duration of exposure affect the composition and stability of the microbiome as well as systemic and mucosal immune responses. In addition to the characteristics of the pathogen they are targeting, successful vaccines against sexually transmitted pathogens must take into account the differences between the systemic and mucosal immune responses, the compartmentalization of the mucosal immune responses, the unique characteristics of the reproductive tract mucosa, the role of the mucosal bacterial communities, the impact of sex hormones, and the interactions among all of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - 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.
| | - Patrik M Bavoil
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Patti E Gravitt
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Hormonal contraception is associated with a reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73055. [PMID: 24023807 PMCID: PMC3762860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the association between hormonal contraception (HC) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched to 24/1/13 and duplicate references removed. Inclusion criteria 1) >20 BV cases; 2) accepted BV diagnostic method; 3) measure of HC-use either as combined oestrogen-progesterone HC (combined), progesterone-only contraception (POC) or unspecified HC (u-HC); 4) ≥10% of women using HC; 5) analysis of the association between BV and HC-use presented; 6) appropriate control group. Data extracted included: type of HC, BV diagnostic method and outcome (prevalent, incident, recurrent), and geographical and clinic-setting. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate pooled effect sizes (ES), stratified by HC-type and BV outcome. This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42013003699). Results Of 1713 unique references identified, 502 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 55 studies met inclusion criteria. Hormonal contraceptive use was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of prevalent BV (pooled effect size by random-effects [reES] = 0.68, 95%CI0.63–0.73), and in the relative risk (RR) of incident (reES = 0.82, 95%CI:0.72–0.92), and recurrent (reES = 0.69, 95%CI:0.59–0.91) BV. When stratified by HC-type, combined-HC and POC were both associated with decreased prevalence of BV and risk of incident BV. In the pooled analysis of the effect of HC-use on the composite outcome of prevalent/incident/recurrent BV, HC-use was associated with a reduced risk of any BV (reES = 0.78, 95%CI:0.74–0.82). Conclusion HC-use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of BV. This negative association was robust and present regardless of HC-type and evident across all three BV outcome measures. When stratified by HC-type, combined-HC and POC were both individually associated with a reduction in the prevalence and incidence of BV. This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence that HC-use influences a woman’s risk of BV, with important implications for clinicians and researchers in the field.
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Association between Trichomonas vaginalis and vaginal bacterial community composition among reproductive-age women. Sex Transm Dis 2013; 39:807-12. [PMID: 23007708 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3182631c79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some vaginal bacterial communities are thought to prevent infection by sexually transmitted organisms. Prior work demonstrated that the vaginal microbiota of reproductive-age women cluster into 5 types of bacterial communities; 4 dominated by Lactobacillus species (L. iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii) and 1 (termed community state type (CST) IV) lacking significant numbers of lactobacilli and characterized by higher proportions of Atopobium, Prevotella, Parvimonas, Sneathia, Gardnerella, Mobiluncus, and other taxa. We sought to evaluate the relationship between vaginal bacterial composition and Trichomonas vaginalis. METHODS Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained cross-sectionally from 394 women equally representing 4 ethnic/racial groups. T. vaginalis screening was performed using PCR targeting the 18S rRNA and β-tubulin genes. Vaginal bacterial composition was characterized by pyrosequencing of barcoded 16S rRNA genes. A panel of 11 microsatellite markers was used to genotype T. vaginalis. The association between vaginal microbiota and T. vaginalis was evaluated by exact logistic regression. RESULTS T. vaginalis was detected in 2.8% of participants (11/394). Of the 11 T. vaginalis-positive cases, 8 (72%) were categorized as CST-IV, 2 (18%) as communities dominated by L. iners, and 1 (9%) as L. crispatus-dominated (P = 0.05). CST-IV microbiota were associated with an 8-fold increased odds of detecting T. vaginalis compared with women in the L. crispatus-dominated state (OR: 8.26, 95% CI: 1.07-372.65). Seven of the 11 T. vaginalis isolates were assigned to 2 genotypes. CONCLUSION T. vaginalis was associated with vaginal microbiota consisting of low proportions of lactobacilli and high proportions of Mycoplasma, Parvimonas, Sneathia, and other anaerobes.
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Srinivasan S, Hoffman NG, Morgan MT, Matsen FA, Fiedler TL, Hall RW, Ross FJ, McCoy CO, Bumgarner R, Marrazzo JM, Fredricks DN. Bacterial communities in women with bacterial vaginosis: high resolution phylogenetic analyses reveal relationships of microbiota to clinical criteria. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37818. [PMID: 22719852 PMCID: PMC3377712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes and is characterized by poorly understood changes in the vaginal microbiota. We sought to describe the composition and diversity of the vaginal bacterial biota in women with BV using deep sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene coupled with species-level taxonomic identification. We investigated the associations between the presence of individual bacterial species and clinical diagnostic characteristics of BV. Methodology/Principal Findings Broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR and pyrosequencing were performed on vaginal swabs from 220 women with and without BV. BV was assessed by Amsel’s clinical criteria and confirmed by Gram stain. Taxonomic classification was performed using phylogenetic placement tools that assigned 99% of query sequence reads to the species level. Women with BV had heterogeneous vaginal bacterial communities that were usually not dominated by a single taxon. In the absence of BV, vaginal bacterial communities were dominated by either Lactobacillus crispatus or Lactobacillus iners. Leptotrichia amnionii and Eggerthella sp. were the only two BV-associated bacteria (BVABs) significantly associated with each of the four Amsel’s criteria. Co-occurrence analysis revealed the presence of several sub-groups of BVABs suggesting metabolic co-dependencies. Greater abundance of several BVABs was observed in Black women without BV. Conclusions/Significance The human vaginal bacterial biota is heterogeneous and marked by greater species richness and diversity in women with BV; no species is universally present. Different bacterial species have different associations with the four clinical criteria, which may account for discrepancies often observed between Amsel and Nugent (Gram stain) diagnostic criteria. Several BVABs exhibited race-dependent prevalence when analyzed in separate groups by BV status which may contribute to increased incidence of BV in Black women. Tools developed in this project can be used to study microbial ecology in diverse settings at high resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DNF); (SS)
| | - Noah G. Hoffman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Martin T. Morgan
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Matsen
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Tina L. Fiedler
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Hall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Frederick J. Ross
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Connor O. McCoy
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Roger Bumgarner
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M. Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David N. Fredricks
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DNF); (SS)
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Desseauve D, Chantrel J, Fruchart A, Khoshnood B, Brabant G, Ancel PY, Subtil D. Prevalence and risk factors of bacterial vaginosis during the first trimester of pregnancy in a large French population-based study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 163:30-4. [PMID: 22572215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bacterial vaginosis is a risk factor for preterm delivery. Its prevalence and risk factors in Europe are not well known. Our objective was to assess both in early pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN As part of the PREMEVA randomized controlled trial, this population-based study included 14,193 women screened before 14 weeks' gestation for bacterial vaginosis in the 160 laboratories of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. Bacterial vaginosis was defined by a Nugent score ≥ 7. Data were collected about maternal tobacco use, age, education, and history of preterm birth. We estimated the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and used a multilevel logistic regression model to identify significant risk factors for it. RESULTS Among the 14,193 women assessed before 14 weeks' gestation, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 7.1% (95% CI: 6.6-7.5%). In the multivariate analysis, smoking during pregnancy tobacco (adjusted OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.19-1.60), maternal age 18-19 years (adjusted OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.01-1.93), and educational level (completed only primary school: adjusted OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.35-2.31; completed only secondary school: adjusted OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48) were independent risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. History of preterm delivery was not an independent risk factor of bacterial vaginosis: adjusted OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.90-1.47. CONCLUSION In a large sample of women in their first trimester of pregnancy in France, the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was lower than rates reported in other countries, but risk factors were similar: young age, low level of education, and tobacco use during pregnancy. These results should be considered in future strategies to reduce preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Desseauve
- INSERM, UMR S953, IFR 69, Unité de Recherche Epidémiologique en Santé Périnatale et Santé des Femmes et des Enfants, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France.
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Bacterial Vaginosis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydial Infection Among Women Attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic: A Longitudinal Analysis of Possible Causal Links. Ann Epidemiol 2012; 22:213-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sherrard J, Donders G, White D, Jensen JS. European (IUSTI/WHO) guideline on the management of vaginal discharge, 2011. Int J STD AIDS 2012; 22:421-9. [PMID: 21795415 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2011.011012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Three common infections are associated with vaginal discharge: bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and candidiasis, of which trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This guideline covers the presentation and clinical findings of these infections and outlines the differential diagnoses. Recommendations for investigation and management based on currently available evidence are made, including the management of persistent and recurrent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sherrard
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Brotman RM. Vaginal microbiome and sexually transmitted infections: an epidemiologic perspective. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:4610-7. [PMID: 22133886 DOI: 10.1172/jci57172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal bacterial communities are thought to help prevent sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common clinical syndrome in which the protective lactic acid-producing bacteria (mainly species of the Lactobacillus genus) are supplanted by a diverse array of anaerobic bacteria. Epidemiologically, BV has been shown to be an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including preterm birth, development of pelvic inflammatory disease, and acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. Longitudinal studies of the vaginal microbiome using molecular techniques such as 16S ribosomal DNA analysis may lead to interventions that shift the vaginal microbiota toward more protective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Brotman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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Anderson BL, Cu-Uvin S. Clinical parameters essential to methodology and interpretation of mucosal responses. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65:352-60. [PMID: 21223419 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research aimed at putting an end to the HIV pandemic is dynamic given the marked advances in understanding of pathogenesis since its origin. Attention has shifted from systemic management of disease to a focus on the most common site of acquisition, the female genital tract. Research on the female genital tract of humans requires consideration of a number of specific clinical parameters. If such parameters are not considered when enrolling subjects into studies, it could lead to faulty data ascertainment. This article reviews important clinical characteristics to consider when conducting studies of the human female genital tract in regard to mucosal immunity and HIV disease. Important topics to consider include the method and source of sample collection, the individual patient characteristics, and in the case of recruitment of HIV-infected women, HIV disease characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna L Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infant's Hospital, Alpert Medical School at Brown University, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
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Nomelini RS, Carrijo APB, Adad SJ, Nunes AA, Murta EFC. Relationship between infectious agents for vulvovaginitis and skin color. SAO PAULO MED J 2010; 128:348-53. [PMID: 21308158 PMCID: PMC10948073 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-31802010000600007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Revised: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Many factors influence occurrences of vulvovaginitis. The aims here were to assess skin color and age-related differences in the vaginal flora and occurrences of vulvovaginitis. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study; tertiary referral hospital (Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba). METHODS Healthy women who underwent routine outpatient gynecological assessments were assessed for vulvovaginitis and vaginal flora and then divided into whites (n = 13,881) and nonwhites (n = 5,295). Statistical analysis was performed using the X² test, logistic regression and odds ratios. RESULTS The vaginal microflora was skin-color dependent, with greater occurrence of clue cells, Trichomonas vaginalis and coccobacilli in nonwhite women (p < 0.0001). Döderlein bacilli and cytolytic flora were more prevalent in white women (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The vaginal microflora was age-dependent within the skin color groups. Among the nonwhite women, clue cells were more prevalent in women aged 21 to 50 years; Trichomonas in women up to 40 years and coccobacili in women between 21 and 40 years (P < 0.05). During the proliferative and secretory phases, the nonwhite women were more likely to present clue cells, Trichomonas, Candida and coccobacilli (OR, proliferative phase: 1.31, 1.79, 1.6 and 1.25 respectively; secretory phase: 1.31, 2.88, 1.74 and 1.21 respectively), while less likely to present Döderlein flora (OR, proliferative phase: 0.76; secretory phase: 0.66), compared with white women, irrespective of age. CONCLUSIONS There are differences in vulvovaginitis occurrence relating to skin color, which may be associated with variations in vaginal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosekeila Simoes Nomelini
- Instituto de Pesquisa em Oncologia, Discipline of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Diagnosis and management of bacterial vaginosis and other types of abnormal vaginal bacterial flora: a review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2010; 65:462-73. [PMID: 20723268 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0b013e3181e09621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. It is characterised by an overgrowth of predominantly anaerobic organisms (Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella spp., Peptostreptocci, Mobiluncus spp.) in the vagina leading to a replacement of lactobacilli and an increase in vaginal pH. BV can arise and remit spontaneously, but often presents as a chronic or recurrent disease. BV is found most often in women of childbearing age, but may also be encountered in menopausal women, and is rather rare in children. The clinical and microscopic features and diagnosis of BV are herein reviewed, and antibiotic and non-antibiotic treatment approaches discussed. TARGET AUDIENCE Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this educational activity, the participant should be better able to analyze bacterial vaginosis clinically, formulate an oral antibiotic treatment regimen for bacterial vaginosis and use vaginal treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
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MacPhee RA, Hummelen R, Bisanz JE, Miller WL, Reid G. Probiotic strategies for the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2010; 11:2985-95. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2010.512004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Brotman RM, Klebanoff MA, Nansel TR, Yu KF, Andrews WW, Zhang J, Schwebke JR. Bacterial vaginosis assessed by gram stain and diminished colonization resistance to incident gonococcal, chlamydial, and trichomonal genital infection. J Infect Dis 2010; 202:1907-15. [PMID: 21067371 DOI: 10.1086/657320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to assess the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) assessed by Gram stain and incident trichomonal, gonococcal, and/or chlamydial genital infection. METHODS This longitudinal study included 3620 nonpregnant women aged 15-44 years who presented for routine care at 12 clinics in Birmingham, Alabama. Participants were assessed quarterly for 1 year. Vaginal smears were categorized by the Nugent Gram stain score (0-3, normal; 4-6, intermediate state; 7-10, BV). Pooled logistic regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios for the comparison of trichomonal, gonococcal, and chlamydial infection incidence in participants by Nugent score at the prior visit. Participants were censored at their first visit with a positive test result for trichomonal, gonococcal, and/or chlamydial infection. RESULTS Of the 10,606 eligible visits, 37.96% were classified by BV and 13.3% by positive detection of trichomonal, gonococcal, and/or chlamydial infection. An intermediate state or BV at the prior visit was associated with a 1.5-2-fold increased risk for incident trichomonal, gonococcal, and/or chlamydial infection (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] for intermediate state, 1.41 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.12-1.76]; AHR for BV, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.42-2.11]; P= .058 for trend). Estimates were similar for trichomonal-only, gonococcal-only, and chlamydial-only infection outcomes. CONCLUSION BV microbiota as gauged by Gram stain is associated with a significantly elevated risk for acquisition of trichomonal, gonococcal, and/or chlamydial genital infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Spain JE, Peipert JF, Madden T, Allsworth JE, Secura GM. The Contraceptive CHOICE Project: recruiting women at highest risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2010; 19:2233-8. [PMID: 20831439 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unintended pregnancy disproportionately affects younger, minority, and low-income women. The purpose of this analysis is to describe our recruitment strategies and to determine if targeted efforts to reach women at greatest risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) were successful. METHODS The Contraceptive CHOICE Project is a prospective cohort study providing reversible contraception at no cost to 10,000 women aged 14-45 years in the St. Louis area in order to evaluate method satisfaction and continuation and to reduce unintended pregnancies in the region. We describe four strategies for effective outreach and recruitment of high-risk women, including forming strong community partnerships. We analyze the evolution of baseline demographic and behavioral characteristics over the three waves of enrollment of the first 2,500 participants in order to assess whether our outreach efforts were successful. RESULTS Overall, >60% of participants were aged ≤25 years. There was a significant increase in the percentage of minority participants enrolled throughout the first 2,500 subjects (p < 0.001). The number of women who reported trouble paying for basic necessities significantly increased over the three waves (p = 0.025). Throughout the three waves of enrollment, there was a significant increase in the number of women who tested positive for an STI at baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A multiple method approach with collaboration of key community partners led to successful recruitment of hard to reach populations at high risk for unintended pregnancy and STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine E Spain
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Division of Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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