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Cui G, Sun Y, Zou Y, Sun R, Gao Y, Liu X, Zhou Y, Zhang D, Wang X, Li Y, Liu L, Zhang G, Rao B, Yu Z, Ren Z. Dynamic changes of Bacterial Microbiomes in Oropharynx during Infection and Recovery of COVID-19 Omicron Variant. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012075. [PMID: 38568937 PMCID: PMC10990182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal microbiomes play a significant role in the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19, yet the role of these microbiomes play for the development of COVID-19 Omicron variant have not been reported. A total of 791 pharyngeal swab samples were prospectively included in this study, including 297 confirmed cases of Omicron variant (CCO), 222 confirmed case of Omicron who recovered (CCOR), 73 confirmed cases of original strain (CCOS) and 199 healthy controls (HC). All samples completed MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that compared with HC, conditional pathogens increased in CCO, while acid-producing bacteria decreased. Based on six optimal oropharyngeal operational taxonomy units (OTUs), we constructed a marker microbial classifier to distinguish between patients with Omicron variant and healthy people, and achieved high diagnostic efficiency in both the discovery queue and the verification queue. At same time, we introduced a group of cross-age infection verification cohort and Omicron variant subtype XBB.1.5 branch, which can be accurately distinguished by this diagnostic model. We also analyzed the characteristics of oropharyngeal microbiomes in two subgroups of Omicron disease group-severity of infection and vaccination times, and found that the change of oropharyngeal microbiomes may affect the severity of the disease and the efficacy of the vaccine. In addition, we found that some genera with significant differences gradually increased or decreased with the recovery of Omicron variant infection. The results of Spearman analysis showed that 27 oropharyngeal OTUs were closely related to 6 clinical indexes in CCO and HC. Finally, we found that the Omicron variant had different characterization of oropharyngeal microbiomes from the original strain. Our research characterizes oropharyngeal microbiomes of Omicron variant cases and rehabilitation cases, successfully constructed and verified the non-invasive diagnostic model of Omicron variant, described the correlation between microbial OTUs and clinical indexes. It was found that the infection of Omicron variant and the infection of original strain have different characteristics of oropharyngeal microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yawen Zou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ranran Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Gao
- Emergency Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongjian Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Anyang City Fifth People’s Hospital, Long An District, Anyang, China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Li
- Anyang City Fifth People’s Hospital, Long An District, Anyang, China
| | - Liwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benchen Rao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Pingyuan Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Zhu Y, Cai H, Fang S, Shen H, Yan Z, Wang D, Qi N, Li J, Lv M, Lin X, Hu J, Song Y, Chen X, Yin L, Zhang J, Liao S, Sun M. Unraveling the pathogenic potential of the Pentatrichomonas hominis PHGD strain: impact on IPEC-J2 cell growth, adhesion, and gene expression. Parasite 2024; 31:18. [PMID: 38530211 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024014] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pentatrichomonas hominis, a flagellated parasitic protozoan, predominantly infects the mammalian digestive tract, often causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, studies investigating its pathogenicity are limited, and the mechanisms underlying P. hominis-induced diarrhea remain unclear. Establishing an in vitro cell model for P. hominis infection is imperative. This study investigated the interaction between P. hominis and IPEC-J2 cells and its impact on parasite growth, adhesion, morphology, and cell viability. Co-cultivation of P. hominis with IPEC-J2 cells resulted in exponential growth of the parasite, with peak densities reaching approximately 4.8 × 105 cells/mL and 1.2 × 106 cells/mL at 48 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. The adhesion rate of P. hominis to IPEC-J2 cells reached a maximum of 93.82% and 86.57% at 24 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 104 cells/mL and 105 cells/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in IPEC-J2 cells co-cultivated with P. hominis were observed, manifesting as elongated and irregular shapes. The viability of IPEC-J2 cells exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing P. hominis concentration and co-cultivation time. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were upregulated, whereas those of CAT and CuZn-SOD were downregulated. These findings provide quantitative evidence that P. hominis can promote its growth by adhering to IPEC-J2 cells, inducing morphological changes, reducing cell viability, and triggering inflammatory responses. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results and enhance our understanding of P. hominis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Siyun Fang
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, Guangdong 527400, China
| | - Hanqin Shen
- Guangdong Jingjie Inspection and Testing Co., Ltd., Xinxing, Guangdong 527400, China
| | - Zhuanqiang Yan
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, Guangdong 527400, China
| | - Dingai Wang
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Xinxing, Guangdong 527400, China
| | - Nanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Minna Lv
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuhui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Junjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yongle Song
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiangjie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Lijun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jianfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shenquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Mingfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Chen CH, Liao CC, Wang YJ, Huang FC, Lin WC. A. castellanii and P. aeruginosa mutually exacerbate damage to corneal cells during coinfection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0268323. [PMID: 38095463 PMCID: PMC10783079 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02683-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE At the National Cheng Kung University Hospital, numerous cases of amoebic keratitis had been identified with concurrent bacterial infections. Among these bacterial coinfections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 50% of the reported cases. However, the impact of pathogenic bacteria on amoeba-induced corneal damage remains unclear. In our study, we successfully demonstrated that P. aeruginosa accumulated on the Acanthamoeba castellanii surface and caused more severe corneal damage. We also indicated that the exposure of P. aeruginosa to amoeba-soluble antigens enhanced its adhesion ability, promoted biofilm formation, and led to more severe corneal cell damage. These findings significantly contributed to our understanding of the risk associated with P. aeruginosa coinfection in the progression of amoeba keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chieh Liao
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Lin
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Margarita V, Carboni G, Diaz N, Rappelli P, Fiori PL. Patterns of antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma hominis endosymbiont of Trichomonas vaginalis and the influence of bacterial intracellular location on drug susceptibility. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 35:210-215. [PMID: 37816433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen of the human lower urogenital tract, can survive and replicate within the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, establishing an endosymbiotic relationship. The intracellular location may provide a means for the bacteria to evade the immune system and protection from antimicrobial activities. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the endosymbiotic association of M. hominis with trichomonad cells on bacterial antibiotic susceptibility. METHODS We evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns in a group of M. hominis isolated from T. vaginalis clinical specimens as well as in M. hominis isolated from patients without trichomoniasis. Using an experimental model system, we compared the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (MLC) of tetracycline on M. hominis endosymbionts of T. vaginalis and extracellular bacteria. RESULTS The incidence rate of M. hominis strains resistant to C14 and C15 macrolide antibiotics was higher in intracellular strains associated with T. vaginalis compared with extracellular bacteria isolated from women not affected by trichomoniasis. However, sensitivity to tetracycline and quinolones was similar in both groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that M. hominis strains, when isolated as endosymbionts from T. vaginalis, exhibited reduced sensitivity to tetracycline when cultured extracellularly for at least eight weeks. CONCLUSION The intracellular localization of bacteria within trichomonad cells may affect antibiotic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gavino Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, Sassari, Italy; Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera (AOU) Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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Hamar B, Teutsch B, Hoffmann E, Hegyi P, Váradi A, Nyirády P, Hunka Z, Ács N, Lintner B, Hermánné RJ, Melczer Z. Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with increased risk of cervical carcinogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 470 000 patients. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:31-43. [PMID: 37010897 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichomonas vaginalis infection is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in women and has been suggested as a risk factor for developing cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the associations between T. vaginalis infection and cervical carcinogenesis. SEARCH STRATEGY A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in five databases on 21 October 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies assessing the relationship between T. vaginalis infection, HPV co-infections, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer were found eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Summary estimates for pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was measured with I2 and Cochran's Q tests. MAIN RESULTS The 29 articles included 473 740 women, of whom 8518 were T. vaginalis-positive. Our results showed that T. vaginalis-infected women had 1.79 times higher odds of being diagnosed with HPV co-infection (95% CI 1.27-2.53; I2 95%). We also found that T. vaginalis infection was associated with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion diagnosis (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.10-4.95; I2 75%) and cervical cancer (OR 5.23, 95% CI 3.03-9.04; I2 3%). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed an association between T. vaginalis and cervical carcinogenesis in sexually active women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Hamar
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Teutsch
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Hoffmann
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alex Váradi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Nyirády
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Urology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Hunka
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nándor Ács
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Lintner
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Zsolt Melczer
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Barnett MJ, Pinheiro J, Keown JR, Biboy J, Gray J, Lucinescu IW, Vollmer W, Hirt RP, Simoes-Barbosa A, Goldstone DC. NlpC/P60 peptidoglycan hydrolases of Trichomonas vaginalis have complementary activities that empower the protozoan to control host-protective lactobacilli. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011563. [PMID: 37585473 PMCID: PMC10461829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a human protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is accompanied by a shift to a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome that is depleted of lactobacilli. Studies on co-cultures have shown that vaginal bacteria in eubiosis (e.g. Lactobacillus gasseri) have antagonistic effects on T. vaginalis pathogenesis, suggesting that the parasite might benefit from shaping the microbiome to dysbiosis (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis among other anaerobes). We have recently shown that T. vaginalis has acquired NlpC/P60 genes from bacteria, expanding them to a repertoire of nine TvNlpC genes in two distinct clans, and that TvNlpCs of clan A are active against bacterial peptidoglycan. Here, we expand this characterization to TvNlpCs of clan B. In this study, we show that the clan organisation of NlpC/P60 genes is a feature of other species of Trichomonas, and that Histomonas meleagridis has sequences related to one clan. We characterized the 3D structure of TvNlpC_B3 alone and with the inhibitor E64 bound, probing the active site of these enzymes for the first time. Lastly, we demonstrated that TvNlpC_B3 and TvNlpC_B5 have complementary activities with the previously described TvNlpCs of clan A and that exogenous expression of these enzymes empower this mucosal parasite to take over populations of vaginal lactobacilli in mixed cultures. TvNlpC_B3 helps control populations of L. gasseri, but not of G. vaginalis, which action is partially inhibited by E64. This study is one of the first to show how enzymes produced by a mucosal protozoan parasite may contribute to a shift on the status of a microbiome, helping explain the link between trichomoniasis and vaginal dysbiosis. Further understanding of this process might have significant implications for treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Barnett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jully Pinheiro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jeremy R. Keown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jacob Biboy
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joe Gray
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - David C. Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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Artuyants A, Hong J, Dauros-Singorenko P, Phillips A, Simoes-Barbosa A. Lactobacillus gasseri and Gardnerella vaginalis produce extracellular vesicles that contribute to the function of the vaginal microbiome and modulate host-Trichomonas vaginalis interactions. Mol Microbiol 2023. [PMID: 37485746 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15130] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an extracellular protozoan parasite of the human urogenital tract, responsible for a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Trichomoniasis is accompanied by a dysbiotic microbiome that is characterised by the depletion of host-protective commensals such as Lactobacillus gasseri, and the flourishing of a bacterial consortium that is comparable to the one seen for bacterial vaginosis, including the founder species Gardnerella vaginalis. These two vaginal bacteria are known to have opposite effects on T. vaginalis pathogenicity. Studies on extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been focused on the direction of a microbial producer (commensal or pathogen) to a host recipient, and largely in the context of the gut microbiome. Here, taking advantage of the simplicity of the human cervicovaginal microbiome, we determined the molecular cargo of EVs produced by L. gasseri and G. vaginalis and examined how these vesicles modulate the interaction of T. vaginalis and host cells. We show that these EVs carry a specific cargo of proteins, which functions can be attributed to the opposite roles that these bacteria play in the vaginal biome. Furthermore, these bacterial EVs are delivered to host and protozoan cells, modulating host-pathogen interactions in a way that mimics the opposite effects that these bacteria have on T. vaginalis pathogenicity. This is the first study to describe side-by-side the protein composition of EVs produced by two bacteria belonging to the opposite spectrum of a microbiome and to demonstrate that these vesicles modulate the pathogenicity of a protozoan parasite. Such as in trichomoniasis, infections and dysbiosis co-occur frequently resulting in significant co-morbidities. Therefore, studies like this provide the knowledge for the development of antimicrobial therapies that aim to clear the infection while restoring a healthy microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiwon Hong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Anthony Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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8
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Bongiorni Galego G, Tasca T. Infinity war: Trichomonas vaginalis and interactions with host immune response. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:103-116. [PMID: 37125086 PMCID: PMC10140678 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.05.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the pathological agent of human trichomoniasis. The incidence is 156 million cases worldwide. Due to the increasing resistance of isolates to approved drugs and clinical complications that include increased risk in the acquisition and transmission of HIV, cervical and prostate cancer, and adverse outcomes during pregnancy, increasing our understanding of the pathogen's interaction with the host immune response is essential. Production of cytokines and cells of innate immunity: Neutrophils and macrophages are the main cells involved in the fight against the parasite, while IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α are the most produced cytokines in response to this infection. Clinical complications: T. vaginalis increases the acquisition of HIV, stimulates the invasiveness and growth of prostate cells, and generates an inflammatory environment that may lead to preterm birth. Endosymbiosis: Mycoplasma hominis increased cytotoxicity, growth, and survival rate of the parasite. Purinergic signaling: NTPD-ases and ecto-5'-nucleotidase helps in parasite survival by modulating the nucleotides levels in the microenvironment. Antibodies: IgG was detected in serum samples of rodents infected with isolates from symptomatic patients as well as patients with symptoms. However, antibody production does not protect against a reinfection. Vaccine candidate targets: The transient receptor potential- like channel of T. vaginalis (TvTRPV), cysteine peptidase, and α-actinin are currently cited as candidate targets for vaccine development. In this context, the understanding of mechanisms involved in the host-T. vaginalis interaction that elicit the immune response may contribute to the development of new targets to combat trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bongiorni Galego
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Tricomonas, Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiana Tasca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Tricomonas, Faculdade de Farmácia e Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, 90610-000, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- * Corresponding Author: Tiana Tasca, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752. 90610-000. Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Tel: +555133085325;
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Tossas KY, Zhu B, Perera RA, Serrano MG, Sullivan S, Sayeed S, Strauss JF, Winn RA, Buck GA, Seewaldt VL. Does the Vaginal Microbiome Operate Differently by Race to Influence Risk of Precervical Cancer? J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2023; 32:553-560. [PMID: 36897755 PMCID: PMC10171949 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The vaginal microbiome (VMB) plays an important role in the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and differs by race and among women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Materials and Methods: We explored these relationships using 16S rRNA VMB taxonomic profiles of 3050 predominantly Black women. VMB profiles were assigned to three subgroups based on taxonomic markers indicative of vaginal wellness: optimal (Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii), moderate (L. iners), and suboptimal (Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae, and others). Multivariable Firth logistic regression models were adjusted for age, smoking, VMB, HPV, and pregnancy status. Results: VMB prevalence by subgroup was 18%, 30%, and 51% for the optimal, moderate, and suboptimal groups, respectively. In fully adjusted models, the risk of CIN grade 3 (CIN3) among non-Latina (nL) Blacks was twice that of nL Whites (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 3.9, p = 0.02). The VMB modified this association (p = 0.04) such that the risk of CIN3 was significantly higher for nL Blacks than for nL Whites only among women with optimal VMBs (OR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.7, 74.5, p = 0.007). Within racial groups, the risk of CIN3 was only elevated among nL White women with suboptimal VMBs (OR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 56.9, p = 0.02) compared with their racial counterparts with optimal VMBs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that race is a modifier of the VMB in HPV carcinogenesis. An optimal VMB does not appear to be protective for nL Black women compared with nL White women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Y. Tossas
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy and Division of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bin Zhu
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert A. Perera
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Myrna G. Serrano
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Stephanie Sullivan
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sadia Sayeed
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jerome F. Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert A. Winn
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory A. Buck
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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10
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Novak J, Ferreira CST, Golim MA, Silva MG, Marconi C. Covariates of vaginal microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in women of reproductive age. Benef Microbes 2023; 14:131-142. [PMID: 37026365 DOI: 10.3920/bm2022.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the correlation between covariates of the vaginal microbiota and local levels of proinflammatory cytokines in women of reproductive age presenting four molecularly defined bacterial community-state types (CSTs). We enrolled 133 non-pregnant women who attended primary care health clinics for routine Pap-testing. Molecular profiling of vaginal microbiota was performed by V3-V4 16S rRNA sequencing. The covariates of vaginal microbiota included were: vaginal pH, total bacterial cell count, diversity (Shannon index), -richness and dominant taxa abundances. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in supernatants of cervicovaginal fluids. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare microbiota covariates and cytokines among different CSTs. Spearman's tests were performed to assess correlations across the measured parameters. A total of 96 (72.2%) participants had CSTs dominated by Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillus crispatus CST I, n=38; Lactobacillus gasseri CST II, n=20; and Lactobacillus iners CST III, n=38). A total of 37 (27.8%) presented the Lactobacillus-depleted CST IV. Total bacterial count was higher in CST II (1.29E+05, 3.40E+04-6.69E+05) compared to other Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs (p=0.0003). The highest values of microbiota diversity (1.85; 0.23-2.68) and richness (27.0; 5.0-37.0) were observed in CST IV (P<0.0001). Lower levels of IL-1β were observed in CST I (5.4; 0.0-3,256) when compared to CST III (51.7; 0.0-2,616) and to CST IV (56.2; 0.0-3,407) (P=0.008). Levels of IL-6 were higher in CST II (4.13; 0-131.4) than in CST IV (0.0-58.27) (P=0.02). Correlation tests showed an overall distinct profile of CST II when compared to other Lactobacillusdominated CSTs, particularly regarding the correlation between total bacterial load and cytokines (r>0.39). In conclusion, this study provides evidence of a single pro-inflammatory signature of L. gasseri-dominated microbiota in response to bacterial load. Further studies evaluating a broader range of inflammation markers are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Novak
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - C S T Ferreira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - M A Golim
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Center Blood, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - M G Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - C Marconi
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Av. Prof. Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro, s/n, 18618-970 Botucatu-SP, Brazil
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Department of Basic Pathology, Av. Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos, 100 - Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, PR 81531-980, Brazil
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11
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Revisiting fecal metatranscriptomics analyses of macaques with idiopathic chronic diarrhoea with a focus on trichomonad parasites. Parasitology 2023; 150:248-261. [PMID: 36503585 PMCID: PMC10090643 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonads, anaerobic microbial eukaryotes members of the phylum Parabasalia, are common obligate extracellular symbionts that can lead to pathological or asymptomatic colonization of various mucosal surfaces in a wide range of animal hosts. Results from previous in vitro studies have suggested a number of intriguing mucosal colonization strategies by Trichomonads, notably highlighting the importance of interactions with bacteria. However, in vivo validation is currently lacking. A previous metatranscriptomics study into the cause of idiopathic chronic diarrhoea in macaques reported the presence of an unidentified protozoan parasite related to Trichomonas vaginalis. In this work, we performed a reanalysis of the published data in order to identify the parasite species present in the macaque gut. We also leveraged the information-rich metatranscriptomics data to investigate the parasite behaviour in vivo. Our results indicated the presence of at least 3 genera of Trichomonad parasite; Tetratrichomonas, Pentatrichomonas and Trichomitus, 2 of which had not been previously reported in the macaque gut. In addition, we identified common in vivo expression profiles shared amongst the Trichomonads. In agreement with previous findings for other Trichomonads, our results highlighted a relationship between Trichomonads and mucosal bacterial diversity which could be influential in health and disease.
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12
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Van Gerwen OT, Opsteen SA, Graves KJ, Muzny CA. Trichomoniasis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:245-265. [PMID: 37005163 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. It has been associated with a variety of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes for both men and women. In this review, the authors discuss updates in its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical significance, diagnosis, and treatment.
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13
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis can host the endosymbiont Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium capable of modulating T. vaginalis pathobiology. Recently, a new noncultivable mycoplasma, "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii," has been shown to be closely associated with women affected by trichomoniasis, suggesting a biological association. Although several features of "Ca. M. girerdii" have been investigated through genomic analysis, the nature of the potential T. vaginalis-"Ca. M. girerdii" consortium and its impact on the biology and pathogenesis of both microorganisms have not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the association between "Ca. M. girerdii" and T. vaginalis isolated from patients affected by trichomoniasis, demonstrating their intracellular localization. By using an in vitro model system based on single- and double-Mycoplasma infection of Mycoplasma-free isogenic T. vaginalis, we investigated the ability of the protist to establish a relationship with the bacteria and impact T. vaginalis growth. Our data indicate likely competition between M. hominis and "Ca. M. girerdii" while infecting trichomonad cells. Comparative dual-transcriptomics data showed major shifts in parasite gene expression in response to the presence of Mycoplasma, including genes associated with energy metabolism and pathogenesis. Consistent with the transcriptomics data, both parasite-mediated hemolysis and binding to host epithelial cells were significantly upregulated in the presence of either Mycoplasma species. Taken together, these results support a model in which this microbial association could modulate the virulence of T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE T. vaginalis and M. hominis form a unique case of endosymbiosis that modulates the parasite's pathobiology. Recently, a new nonculturable mycoplasma species ("Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii") has been described as closely associated with the protozoon. Here, we report the characterization of this endosymbiotic relationship. Clinical isolates of the parasite demonstrate that mycoplasmas are common among trichomoniasis patients. The relationships are studied by devising an in vitro system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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14
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Alimena S, Davis J, Fichorova RN, Feldman S. The vaginal microbiome: A complex milieu affecting risk of human papillomavirus persistence and cervical cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100877. [PMID: 35709613 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe the existing literature regarding the relationship between the vaginal microbiome, human papillomavirus persistence, and cervical cancer risk, as well as to discuss factors that mediate these relationships. Data suggest that alterations in the vaginal microbiome affect the risk of human papillomavirus infection and persistence, which has downstream effects on cervical dysplasia and cancer risk. The homeostatic Lactobillus species L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii act to promote a healthy vaginal environment, while L. iners and pathogens causing bacterial vaginosis are associated with increased inflammation, human papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, and potentially cancer. There are, however, still several large gaps in the literature, particularly related to the modifiable and non-modifiable factors that affect the vaginal microbiome and ensuing risk of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. Evidence currently suggests that endogenous and exogenous hormones, tobacco products, and sexual practices influence vaginal microbiome composition, but the nuances of these relationships and how changes in these factors affect dysplasia risk are yet to be delineated. Other studies examining how diet, exercise, race, socioeconomic status, and genetic factors influence the vaginal microbiome are difficult to interpret in the setting of multiple confounders. Future studies should focus on how changes in these modulatory factors might promote a healthy vaginal microbiome to prevent or treat dysplasia in the lower female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Alimena
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | | | - Raina N Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah Feldman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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15
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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: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 244.5] [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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16
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Mtshali A, San JE, Osman F, Garrett N, Balle C, Giandhari J, Onywera H, Mngomezulu K, Mzobe G, de Oliveira T, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Abdool Karim SS, Ravel J, Passmore JAS, Abdool Karim Q, Jaspan HB, Liebenberg LJP, Ngcapu S. Temporal Changes in Vaginal Microbiota and Genital Tract Cytokines Among South African Women Treated for Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730986. [PMID: 34594336 PMCID: PMC8477043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) with oral metronidazole is often ineffective, and recurrence rates are high among African women. BV-associated anaerobes are closely associated with genital inflammation and HIV risk, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation in response to treatment. In this cohort study, we therefore investigated the effects of metronidazole treatment on the vaginal microbiota and genital cytokines among symptomatic South African women with BV [defined as Nugent score (NS) ≥4] using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multiplex bead arrays. Among 56 BV-positive women, we observed short-term BV clearance (NS <4) in a proportion of women six weeks after metronidazole treatment, with more than half of these experiencing recurrence by 12 weeks post-treatment. BV treatment temporarily reduced the relative abundance of BV-associated anaerobes (particularly Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae) and increased lactobacilli species (mainly L. iners), resulting in significantly altered mucosal immune milieu over time. In a linear mixed model, the median concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly reduced in women who cleared BV compared to pre-treatment. BV persistence and recurrence were strongly associated with mucosal cytokine profiles that may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Concentrations of these cytokines were differentially regulated by changes in the relative abundance of BVAB1 and G. vaginalis. We conclude that metronidazole for the treatment of BV induced short-term shifts in the vaginal microbiota and mucosal cytokines, while treatment failures promoted persistent elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the genital tract. These data suggest the need to improve clinical management of BV to minimize BV related reproductive risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Emmanuel San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Harris Onywera
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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17
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Sturt AS, Webb EL, Himschoot L, Phiri CR, Mapani J, Mudenda M, Kjetland EF, Mweene T, Levecke B, van Dam GJ, Corstjens PLAM, Ayles H, Hayes RJ, van Lieshout L, Hansingo I, Francis SC, Cools P, Bustinduy AL. Association of Female Genital Schistosomiasis With the Cervicovaginal Microbiota and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Zambian Women. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab438. [PMID: 34557562 PMCID: PMC8454507 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cervicovaginal microbiota, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have not been well described in female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). METHODS Women (aged 18-31, sexually active, nonpregnant) were invited to participate at the final follow-up of the HPTN 071 (PopART) Population Cohort in January-August 2018. We measured key species of the cervicovaginal microbiota (Lactobacillus crispatus, L. iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Candida) and STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We evaluated associations of the microbiota and STI presence and concentration with FGS (qPCR-detected Schistosoma DNA in any of 3 genital specimens). RESULTS The presence and concentration of key cervicovaginal species did not differ between participants with (n = 30) or without FGS (n = 158). A higher proportion of participants with FGS had T. vaginalis compared with FGS-negative women (P = .08), with further analysis showing that T. vaginalis was more prevalent among women with ≥2 Schistosoma qPCR-positive genital specimens (50.0%, 8/16) than among FGS-negative women (21.5%, 34/158; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS We found weak evidence of an association between the presence of T. vaginalis and FGS, with a stronger association in women with a higher-burden FGS infection. Additional research is needed on potential between-parasite interactions, especially regarding HIV-1 vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Sturt
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily L Webb
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisa Himschoot
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Joyce Mapani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Maina Mudenda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Eyrun F Kjetland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Govert J van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul L A M Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Helen Ayles
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Richard J Hayes
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Isaiah Hansingo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Amaya L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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18
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Fichorova RN, DeLong AK, Cu-Uvin S, King CC, Jamieson DJ, Klein RS, Sobel JD, Vlahov D, Yamamoto HS, Mayer KH. Protozoan-Viral-Bacterial Co-Infections Alter Galectin Levels and Associated Immunity Mediators in the Female Genital Tract. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:649940. [PMID: 34422675 PMCID: PMC8375472 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.649940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections with sexually transmittable pathogens are common and more likely in women with disturbed vaginal bacteriome. Among those pathogens, the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is most common after accounting for the highly persistent DNA viruses human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes. The parasitic infection often concurs with the dysbiotic syndrome diagnosed as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and both are associated with risks of superimposed viral infections. Yet, the mechanisms of microbial synergisms in evading host immunity remain elusive. We present clinical and experimental evidence for a new role of galectins, glycan-sensing family of proteins, in mixed infections. We assessed participants of the HIV Epidemiology Research Study (HERS) at each of their incident TV visits (223 case visits) matched to controls who remained TV-negative throughout the study. Matching criteria included age, race, BV (by Nugent score), HIV status, hysterectomy, and contraceptive use. Non-matched variables included BV status at 6 months before the matched visit, and variables examined at baseline, within 6 months of and/or at the matched visit e.g. HSV-2, HPV, and relevant laboratory and socio-demographic parameters. Conditional logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations calculated odds ratios (OR) for incident TV occurrence with each log10 unit higher cervicovaginal concentration of galectins and cytokines. Incident TV was associated with higher levels of galectin-1, galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines (ORs 1.53 to 2.91, p <0.001). Galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines were up and galectin-3 down in TV cases with BV or intermediate Nugent versus normal Nugent scores (p <0.001). Galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines were up in TV-HIV and down in TV-HPV co-infections. In-vitro, TV synergized with its endosymbiont Trichomonasvirus (TVV) and BV bacteria to upregulate galectin-1, galectin-9, and inflammatory cytokines. The BV-bacterium Prevotella bivia alone and together with TV downregulated galectin-3 and synergistically upregulated galectin-1, galectin-9 and IL-1β, mirroring the clinical findings of mixed TV–BV infections. P. bivia also downregulated TVV+TV-induced anti-viral response e.g. IP-10 and RANTES, providing a mechanism for conducing viral persistence in TV-BV co-infections. Collectively, the experimental and clinical data suggest that galectin-mediated immunity may be dysregulated and exploited by viral–protozoan–bacterial synergisms exacerbating inflammatory complications from dysbiosis and sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raina N Fichorova
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Allison K DeLong
- Center for Statistical Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Susan Cu-Uvin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Caroline C King
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Denise J Jamieson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert S Klein
- Hudson Infectious Diseases Associates, Briarcliff Manor, NY, United States
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - David Vlahov
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hidemi S Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Pu X, Li X, Cao L, Yue K, Zhao P, Wang X, Li J, Zhang X, Zhang N, Zhao Z, Liang M, Gong P. Giardia duodenalis Induces Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Mouse Macrophages via TLR9-Mediated p38 and ERK Signaling Pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:694675. [PMID: 34336841 PMCID: PMC8319647 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.694675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis, also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia intestinalis, is an important opportunistic, pathogenic, zoonotic, protozoan parasite that infects the small intestines of humans and animals, causing giardiasis. Several studies have demonstrated that innate immunity-associated Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical for the elimination of G. duodenalis; however, whether TLR9 has a role in innate immune responses against Giardia infection remains unknown. In the present study, various methods, including reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, inhibitor assays, and small-interfering RNA interference, were utilized to probe the role of TLR9 in mouse macrophage-mediated defenses against G. lamblia virus (GLV)–free or GLV-containing Giardia trophozoites. The results revealed that in G. duodenalis–stimulated mouse macrophages, the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-12 p40, was enhanced, concomitant with the significant activation of TLR9, whereas silencing TLR9 attenuated the host inflammatory response. Notably, the presence of GLV exacerbated the secretion of host proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, G. duodenalis stimulation activated multiple signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), p38, ERK, and AKT pathways, the latter three in a TLR9-dependent manner. Additionally, inhibiting the p38 or ERK pathway downregulated the G. duodenalis–induced inflammatory response, whereas AKT inhibition aggravated this process. Taken together, these results indicated that G. duodenalis may induce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by activating the p38 and ERK signaling pathways in a TLR9-dependent manner in mouse macrophages. Our in vitro findings on the mechanism underlying the TLR9-mediated host inflammatory response may help establish the foundation for an in-depth investigation of the role of TLR9 in the pathogenicity of G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Pu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Parasite, Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Kaiming Yue
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiteng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Liang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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20
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Marucci G, Zullino I, Bertuccini L, Camerini S, Cecchetti S, Pietrantoni A, Casella M, Vatta P, Greenwood AD, Fiorillo A, Lalle M. Re-Discovery of Giardiavirus: Genomic and Functional Analysis of Viruses from Giardia duodenalis Isolates. Biomedicines 2021; 9:654. [PMID: 34201207 PMCID: PMC8230311 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis, is an intestinal diarrheal disease affecting almost one billion people worldwide. A small endosymbiotic dsRNA viruses, G. lamblia virus (GLV), genus Giardiavirus, family Totiviridae, might inhabit human and animal isolates of G. duodenalis. Three GLV genomes have been sequenced so far, and only one was intensively studied; moreover, a positive correlation between GLV and parasite virulence is yet to be proved. To understand the biological significance of GLV infection in Giardia, the characterization of several GLV strains from naturally infected G. duodenalis isolates is necessary. Here we report high-throughput sequencing of four GLVs strains, from Giardia isolates of human and animal origin. We also report on a new, unclassified viral sequence (designed GdRV-2), unrelated to Giardiavirus, encoding and expressing for a single large protein with an RdRp domain homologous to Totiviridae and Botybirnaviridae. The result of our sequencing and proteomic analyses challenge the current knowledge on GLV and strongly suggest that viral capsid protein translation unusually starts with a proline and that translation of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) occurs via a +1/-2 ribosomal frameshift mechanism. Nucleotide polymorphism, confirmed by mass-spectrometry analysis, was also observed among and between GLV strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the occurrence of at least two GLV subtypes which display different phenotypes and transmissibility in experimental infections of a GLV naïve Giardia isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Marucci
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Disease, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (I.Z.); (P.V.)
| | - Ilaria Zullino
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Disease, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (I.Z.); (P.V.)
| | - Lucia Bertuccini
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (S.C.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Serena Camerini
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (S.C.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Serena Cecchetti
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (S.C.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Agostina Pietrantoni
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (S.C.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Marialuisa Casella
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (S.C.); (S.C.); (A.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Vatta
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Disease, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (I.Z.); (P.V.)
| | - Alex D. Greenwood
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annarita Fiorillo
- Department of Biochemical Science “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Disease, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (I.Z.); (P.V.)
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21
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Dabee S, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. The Complex Link between the Female Genital Microbiota, Genital Infections, and Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00487-20. [PMID: 33558324 PMCID: PMC8091093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00487-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract microbiota is part of a complex ecosystem influenced by several physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors. It is uniquely linked to a woman's mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. A vaginal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of lactobacilli and low overall bacterial diversity is associated with lower inflammation. On the other hand, a more diverse microbiota is linked to high mucosal inflammation levels, a compromised genital epithelial barrier, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other conditions. Several bacterial taxa such as Gardnerella spp., Prevotella spp., Sneathia spp., and Atopobium spp. are well known to have adverse effects; however, the definitive cause of this microbial dysbiosis is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the multiple ways in which the microbiota influences the overall genital inflammatory milieu and to explore the causes and consequences of this inflammatory response. While there is abundant evidence linking a diverse genital microbiota to elevated inflammation, understanding the risk factors and mechanisms through which it affects genital health is essential. A robust appreciation of these factors is important for identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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22
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The cause of bacterial vaginosis, the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women, remains controversial. We recently published an updated conceptual model on bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis, focusing on the roles of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia as early colonizers and Atopobium vaginae and other bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB) as secondary colonizers in this infection. In this article, we extend the description of our model to include a discussion on the role of host-vaginal microbiota interactions in bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS Although G. vaginalis and P. bivia are highly abundant in women with bacterial vaginosis, neither induce a robust inflammatory response from vaginal epithelial cells. These early colonizers may be evading the immune system while establishing the bacterial vaginosis biofilm. Secondary colonizers, including A. vaginae, Sneathia spp., and potentially other BVAB are more potent stimulators of the host-immune response to bacterial vaginosis and likely contribute to its signs and symptoms as well as its adverse outcomes. SUMMARY Elucidating the cause of bacterial vaginosis has important implications for diagnosis and treatment. Our current bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis model provides a framework for key elements that should be considered when designing and testing novel bacterial vaginosis diagnostics and therapeutics.
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23
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic/microaerophilic protist parasite which causes trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. T. vaginalis not only is important as a human pathogen but also is of great biological interest because of its peculiar cell biology and metabolism, in earlier times fostering the erroneous notion that this microorganism is at the root of eukaryotic evolution. This review summarizes the major advances in the last five years in the T. vaginalis field with regard to genetics, molecular biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Leitsch
- Department of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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24
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HIV susceptibility in women: The roles of genital inflammation, sexually transmitted infections and the genital microbiome. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103291. [PMID: 33647576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Given that heterosexual transmission of HIV across the genital mucosa is the most common route of infection in women, an in-depth understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with HIV risk in the female genital tract (FGT) is essential for effective control of the epidemic. Genital pro-inflammatory cytokines are well-described biological co-factors to HIV risk. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the FGT have been associated with a 3-fold higher-risk of acquiring HIV, presumably through involvement in barrier compromise and the recruitment of highly activated HIV target cells to the site of initial viral infection and replication. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are suggested possible contributors to genital inflammation in the FGT, and this, coupled with the relationship between genital inflammation and HIV risk, underscores the importance of effective treatment of STI and BV in the promotion of women's health. In most low- and middle-income countries, STIs are treated syndromically, a practice providing rapid treatment without identifying the infection source. However, this approach has been associated with over-diagnosis and the overuse of drugs. Further, because many women with STIs are asymptomatic, syndromic management also fails to treat a vast proportion of infected women. Although several studies have explored the role of STIs and the vaginal microbiome on genital inflammation and HIV risk, the impact of STI and BV management on genital inflammation remains poorly understood. This review aimed to collate the evidence on how BV and STI management efforts affect genital inflammation and the genital microbiome in women.
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25
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Li T, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Bai H, Zong X, Wang F, Fan L. Comparative analysis of the vaginal microbiome of Chinese women with Trichomonas vaginalis and mixed infection. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104790. [PMID: 33607218 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The high prevalence and serious long-term sequelae of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection worldwide is of a particular concern; however, data regarding the differences in the composition of the vaginal microbiome in cases of single TV infection or mixed infections (i.e., presence of TV and bacterial vaginosis) are scarce. We employed metagenomic sequencing analyses to study gene expression in the vaginal microbiota of women with single TV infection and mixed infection. Women infected with only TV had significantly higher abundance of Mycoplasma, Prevotella, and Streptococcus compared to women without vaginal infection (control). Women infected with mixed infections had a significantly higher abundance of Mycoplasma, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Anaerococcus, Dialister, Peptostreptococcus, Peptoniphilus and a significantly lower abundance of Lactobacillus than TV alone. Mixed infections had a significantly higher abundance of Prevotella, Anaerococcus and Dialister. Our findings suggest that the bacterial community composition varies among healthy women, women with TV alone, and those with mixed infection, and we hypothesize that these bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacterium may play a role in the pathogenesis and recurrence of TV. Probiotic pessaries may necessarily be the answer because shifting the vaginal microbiome and host responses is probably a complex undertaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Bai
- Department of Microecological Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Zong
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Linyuan Fan
- Department of Gynecology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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26
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Barrow P, Dujardin JC, Fasel N, Greenwood AD, Osterrieder K, Lomonossoff G, Fiori PL, Atterbury R, Rossi M, Lalle M. Viruses of protozoan parasites and viral therapy: Is the time now right? Virol J 2020; 17:142. [PMID: 32993724 PMCID: PMC7522927 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by protozoan parasites burden the world with huge costs in terms of human and animal health. Most parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are neglected, particularly those associated with poverty and tropical countries, but the paucity of drug treatments and vaccines combined with increasing problems of drug resistance are becoming major concerns for their control and eradication. In this climate, the discovery/repurposing of new drugs and increasing effort in vaccine development should be supplemented with an exploration of new alternative/synergic treatment strategies. Viruses, either native or engineered, have been employed successfully as highly effective and selective therapeutic approaches to treat cancer (oncolytic viruses) and antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases (phage therapy). Increasing evidence is accumulating that many protozoan, but also helminth, parasites harbour a range of different classes of viruses that are mostly absent from humans. Although some of these viruses appear to have no effect on their parasite hosts, others either have a clear direct negative impact on the parasite or may, in fact, contribute to the virulence of parasites for humans. This review will focus mainly on the viruses identified in protozoan parasites that are of medical importance. Inspired and informed by the experience gained from the application of oncolytic virus- and phage-therapy, rationally-driven strategies to employ these viruses successfully against parasitic diseases will be presented and discussed in the light of the current knowledge of the virus biology and the complex interplay between the viruses, the parasite hosts and the human host. We also highlight knowledge gaps that should be addressed to advance the potential of virotherapy against parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barrow
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Jean Claude Dujardin
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, 155, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Fasel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institut für Virologie, Robert Von Ostertag-Haus - Zentrum Fuer Infektionsmedizin, Robert von Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Osterrieder
- Institut für Virologie, Robert Von Ostertag-Haus - Zentrum Fuer Infektionsmedizin, Robert von Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, 31 To Yuen Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - George Lomonossoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomedice, Universita Degli Studi Di Sassari, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Robert Atterbury
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Matteo Rossi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, viale Regina Elena 299, 00186, Rome, Italy.
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27
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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28
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Ratten LK, Plummer EL, Murray GL, Danielewski J, Fairley CK, Garland SM, Hocking JS, Tachedjian G, Chow E, Bradshaw CS, Vodstrcil LA. Sex is associated with the persistence of non-optimal vaginal microbiota following treatment for bacterial vaginosis: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2020; 128:756-767. [PMID: 33480468 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the associations between factors and sexual practices and the composition of the vaginal microbiome (VM) of women treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia. POPULATION Seventy-five reproductive-age women diagnosed with clinical BV, treated with first-line antibiotics and followed for up to 6 months. METHODS Women self-collected vaginal swabs and completed questionnaires at enrolment, the day following antibiotics and monthly for up to 6months until BV recurrence or no BV recurrence (n = 430 specimens). Bacterial composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The effects of ongoing factors on VM composition (utilising 291 monthly specimens) were assessed using generalised estimating equations population-averaged models, which accounted for repeated measures within individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relative abundance of vaginal bacterial taxa. RESULTS Women who reported ongoing sex with a regular sexual partner (RSP) had a VM comprised of increased relative abundance of non-optimal BV-associated bacteria (Adjusted co-efficient [Adjusted co-eff] = 11.91, 95% CI 3.39to20.43, P = 0.006) and a decreased relative abundance of optimal, Lactobacillus species (Adjusted co-eff = -12.76, 95% CI -23.03 to -2.49, P = 0.015). A history of BV was also associated with a decreased relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. (Adjusted co-eff = -12.35, 95% CI -22.68, P = 0.019). The relative abundance of Gardnerella, Atopobium and Sneathia spp. increased following sex with an RSP. CONCLUSIONS Sex with an untreated RSP after BV treatment was associated with a VM comprised of non-optimal BV-associated bacteria. BV treatment approaches may need to include partner treatment if they are to achieve a sustained optimal VM associated with improved health outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Sex drives a return to a 'non-optimal' vaginal microbiota after antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Ratten
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - E L Plummer
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - G L Murray
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - J Danielewski
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - C K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - S M Garland
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - J S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - G Tachedjian
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Epf Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - C S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - L A Vodstrcil
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
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29
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Aquino MFKD, Hinderfeld AS, Simoes-Barbosa A. Trichomonas vaginalis. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:646-647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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30
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Margarita V, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Impact of Symbiosis Between Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis on Vaginal Dysbiosis: A Mini Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:179. [PMID: 32457847 PMCID: PMC7226223 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis is responsible for trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection associated with an increased risk of HIV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The protozoon has the surprising ability to establish a symbiotic relationship with other microorganisms. In fact, most T.vaginalis isolates intracellularly host the vaginal bacterium Mycoplasma hominis and can harbor up to four dsRNA viruses. Moreover, a novel Mycoplasma species named Ca. Mycoplasma girerdii has been recently described as associated with trichomonad cells. Trichomonas vaginalis colonizes the human vagina and its presence causes profound alterations of the resident microbiota, leading to dysbiosis. In healthy women, vaginal microbiota is characterized by the presence of a complex population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms living in a physiologically dynamic system dominated by bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus. The most common microbial vaginal imbalance is bacterial vaginosis, a polymicrobial disease associated with several adverse reproductive outcomes and increased risk of HIV infection. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the interactions between both T.vaginalis and M.hominis and the vaginal microbiota, and we discuss the possibility of a cooperation between T.vaginalis and its symbionts in the development of vaginal dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
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31
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Isorce N, Fasel N. Viral Double-Stranded RNA Detection by DNase I and Nuclease S1 digestions in Leishmania parasites. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3598. [PMID: 33659564 PMCID: PMC7842782 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Many RNA viruses are found in protozoan parasites. They can be responsible for more serious pathology or treatment failure. For the detection of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), sequence-dependent and -independent methods are available, such as quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, dot blot, ELISA or sequencing. The technique presented here is sequence-independent and is well detailed in the following protocol, taking the example of Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) in Leishmania guyanensis (Lgy) species. To summarise, the protocol is divided into four major steps: RNA extraction from the parasites, RNA purification, enzymatic digestions with DNase I and Nuclease S1, and visualization by gel electrophoresis. This method can be used to detect other viral dsRNA in other parasites. It provides an additional tool, complementary to other techniques previously cited and it is easy and quite fast to achieve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Isorce
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Fasel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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32
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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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33
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Kalia N, Singh J, Kaur M. Microbiota in vaginal health and pathogenesis of recurrent vulvovaginal infections: a critical review. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:5. [PMID: 31992328 PMCID: PMC6986042 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-0347-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal infections (RVVI) has not only become an epidemiological and clinical problem but also include large social and psychological consequences. Understanding the mechanisms of both commensalism and pathogenesis are necessary for the development of efficient diagnosis and treatment strategies for these enigmatic vaginal infections. Through this review, an attempt has been made to analyze vaginal microbiota (VMB) from scratch and to provide an update on its current understanding in relation to health and common RVVI i.e. bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiaisis and Trichomoniasis, making the present review first of its kind. For this, potentially relevant studies were retrieved from data sources and critical analysis of the literature was made. Though, culture-independent methods have greatly unfolded the mystery regarding vaginal bacterial microbiome, there are only a few studies regarding the composition and diversity of vaginal mycobiome and different Trichomonas vaginalis strains. This scenario suggests a need of further studies based on comparative genomics of RVVI pathogens to improve our perceptive of RVVI pathogenesis that is still not clear (Fig. 5). Besides this, the review details the rationale for Lactobacilli dominance and changes that occur in healthy VMB throughout a women’s life. Moreover, the list of possible agents continues to expand and new species recognised in both health and VVI are updated in this review. The review concludes with the controversies challenging the widely accepted dogma i.e. “VMB dominated with Lactobacilli is healthier than a diverse VMB”. These controversies, over the past decade, have complicated the definition of vaginal health and vaginal infections with no definite conclusion. Thus, further studies on newly recognised microbial agents may reveal answers to these controversies. Conversely, VMB of women could be an answer but it is not enough to just look at the microbiology. We have to look at the woman itself, as VMB which is fine for one woman may be troublesome for others. These differences in women’s response to the same VMB may be determined by a permutation of behavioural, cultural, genetic and various other anonymous factors, exploration of which may lead to proper definition of vaginal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namarta Kalia
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
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34
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Hinderfeld AS, Simoes-Barbosa A. Vaginal dysbiotic bacteria act as pathobionts of the protozoal pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. Microb Pathog 2019; 138:103820. [PMID: 31669328 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is often accompanied by a vaginal dysbiotic microbiota of pathogenic potential. Our objective was to investigate whether these dysbiotic bacteria act as pathobionts of T. vaginalis infection by altering pathogenic capabilities of the parasite, particularly in regard to adhesion to vaginal substrates and viability of human ectocervical cells. Assays interrogated the performance of T. vaginalis adhesion to biofilm produced by vaginal dysbiotic bacteria and whether these bacteria were capable of altering the ability of the parasite to bind to mucins and cells. The binding activities of T. vaginalis were quantified by flow cytometry. Host cell viability and apoptosis, as affected by T. vaginalis with or without the bacteria, were also measured experimentally. An in vitro biofilm was shown to provide adhesion for T. vaginalis. The binding of parasites to mucins and cells was modulated by the vaginal dysbiotic bacteria. Parasite cytoadhesion was significantly increased by these bacteria. In addition, these bacteria enhanced the pathogenic effects of the parasite to host cells. Together, this study showed that dysbiotic bacteria accompanying T. vaginalis infection in the vagina function as pathobionts as they are capable of enhancing the pathogenic capabilities of this parasite. This study highlights the importance of understanding the contribution of the vaginal microbiome to trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel S Hinderfeld
- University of Auckland, School of Biological Sciences, Thomas Building, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Augusto Simoes-Barbosa
- University of Auckland, School of Biological Sciences, Thomas Building, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
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35
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Dheilly NM, Martínez Martínez J, Rosario K, Brindley PJ, Fichorova RN, Kaye JZ, Kohl KD, Knoll LJ, Lukeš J, Perkins SL, Poulin R, Schriml L, Thompson LR. Parasite microbiome project: Grand challenges. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008028. [PMID: 31600339 PMCID: PMC6786532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nolwenn M. Dheilly
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NMD); (JMM)
| | - Joaquín Martínez Martínez
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, Maine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (NMD); (JMM)
| | - Karyna Rosario
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Raina N. Fichorova
- Genital Tract Biology Division, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Z. Kaye
- Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin D. Kohl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Susan L. Perkins
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynn Schriml
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luke R. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Northern Gulf Institute, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States of America
- Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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36
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Xu JB, Zhang YL, Huang J, Lu SJ, Sun Q, Chen PX, Jiang P, Qiu ZE, Jiang FN, Zhu YX, Lai DH, Zhong WD, Lun ZR, Zhou WL. Increased intracellular Cl - concentration mediates Trichomonas vaginalis-induced inflammation in the human vaginal epithelium. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:697-704. [PMID: 31254529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a primary urogenital parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted disease. As the first line of host defense, vaginal epithelial cells play critical roles in orchestrating vaginal innate immunity and modulate intracellular Cl- homeostasis via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel that plays positive roles in regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling. However, the association between T. vaginalis infection and intracellular Cl- disequilibrium remains elusive. This study showed that after T. vaginalis infection, CFTR was markedly down-regulated by cysteine proteases in vaginal epithelial cells. The intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) was consequently elevated, leading to NF-κB signalling activation via serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1. Moreover, heightened [Cl-]i and activated NF-κB signalling could be sustained in a positive feedback regulatory manner resulting from decreased intracellular cAMP through NF-κB-mediated up-regulation of phosphodiesterase 4. The results conclusively revealed that the intracellular Cl- of the human vaginal epithelium could be dynamically modulated by T. vaginalis, which contributed to mediation of epithelial inflammation in the human vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Bang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiehong Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shen-Jiao Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng-Xiao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Neng Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - De-Hua Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-De Zhong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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37
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Farcasanu M, Kwon DS. The Influence of Cervicovaginal Microbiota on Mucosal Immunity and Prophylaxis in the Battle against HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019. [PMID: 29516267 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Young women in sub-Saharan Africa bear a disproportionate burden of the global HIV epidemic. In this review, we examine how cervicovaginal microbiota modulate structural and immune defenses in the female genital tract and influence HIV susceptibility. RECENT FINDINGS Highly diverse, anaerobic cervicovaginal microbiota prevalent in sub-Saharan African women increase HIV acquisition risk by over fourfold. These bacteria weaken the barrier properties of the vaginal mucosa and increase local inflammation and HIV target cell recruitment, creating an environment permissive to HIV. These communities also diminish the prophylactic efficacy of topical tenofovir and therefore may modulate both biological susceptibility to HIV and the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Cervicovaginal bacteria influence multiple reproductive health outcomes, including HIV acquisition. High-diversity, low Lactobacillus abundance cervicovaginal communities prevalent in many regions with high HIV incidence are associated with increased HIV susceptibility. A better understanding of the host-microbial interactions mediating this risk is important to reduce HIV infections, particularly among women living in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Farcasanu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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38
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Cooperative Interactions between Trichomonas vaginalis and Associated Bacteria Enhance Paracellular Permeability of the Cervicovaginal Epithelium by Dysregulating Tight Junctions. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00141-19. [PMID: 30858343 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00141-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, which is accompanied by a species-diversified vaginal microbiota named community state type IV (CST-IV). Coincidently, CST-IV includes species associated with bacterial vaginosis (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia). Both diseases are linked to the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and preterm birth, which complications are likely to result from the disruption of the cervicovaginal epithelial barrier. Here, we show that paracellular permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran through a monolayer of human ectocervical cells (hECs) is increased as a consequence of the activity of T. vaginalis and the aforementioned species of CST-IV bacteria cooperatively. T. vaginalis enhances paracellular permeability of hECs two times more than the individual bacterial species, by up to ∼10% versus ∼5%, respectively. However, any two or all three bacterial species are capable of synergizing this effect. T. vaginalis and the bacteria together increase the paracellular permeability of hECs by ∼50%, which is 5 to 10 times more than the results seen with the protozoan or bacteria alone. This effect is accompanied by enhancement of phosphatase activity, while phosphatase inhibition results in preservation of the integrity of the ectocervical cell monolayer. In addition, these microorganisms induce changes in the expression of tight junction proteins, particularly occludin, and of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Together, our findings establish that cooperative interactions between CST-IV bacteria and T. vaginalis enhance the paracellular permeability of the cervicovaginal epithelium by disturbing the integrity of the tight junction complex. Our study results highlight the importance of understanding the contribution of the vaginal microbiota to trichomoniasis.
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39
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Rowan-Nash AD, Korry BJ, Mylonakis E, Belenky P. Cross-Domain and Viral Interactions in the Microbiome. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2019; 83:e00044-18. [PMID: 30626617 PMCID: PMC6383444 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00044-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the microbiome to human health is increasingly recognized and has become a major focus of recent research. However, much of the work has focused on a few aspects, particularly the bacterial component of the microbiome, most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract. Yet humans and other animals can be colonized by a wide array of organisms spanning all domains of life, including bacteria and archaea, unicellular eukaryotes such as fungi, multicellular eukaryotes such as helminths, and viruses. As they share the same host niches, they can compete with, synergize with, and antagonize each other, with potential impacts on their host. Here, we discuss these major groups making up the human microbiome, with a focus on how they interact with each other and their multicellular host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn D Rowan-Nash
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benjamin J Korry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Peter Belenky
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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40
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Graves KJ, Ghosh AP, Kissinger PJ, Muzny CA. Trichomonas vaginalis virus: a review of the literature. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:496-504. [PMID: 30626281 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418809767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a parasitic protozoan responsible for the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) is a nonsegmented, 4.5-5 kbp, double-stranded RNA virus, from the Totiviridae family, which inhabits TV. A capsid protein consisting of 120 subunits is covered in channels aiding in RNA release. TVV is closely associated with the Golgi complex and is transmitted vertically. TVV has four subspecies, TVV1, TVV2, TVV3, and TVV4. The clinical significance of TVV and its effect on the pathogenicity of TV is not well known. We performed a systematic review of the literature on TVV to better understand its clinical significance and its role in the pathogenesis of TV.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Graves
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - A P Ghosh
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - P J Kissinger
- 2 Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - C A Muzny
- 1 Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Pinheiro J, Biboy J, Vollmer W, Hirt RP, Keown JR, Artuyants A, Black MM, Goldstone DC, Simoes-Barbosa A. The Protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis Targets Bacteria with Laterally Acquired NlpC/P60 Peptidoglycan Hydrolases. mBio 2018; 9:e01784-18. [PMID: 30538181 PMCID: PMC6299479 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01784-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The human eukaryotic pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection. This extracellular protozoan is intimately associated with the human vaginal mucosa and microbiota, but key aspects of the complex interactions between the parasite and the vaginal bacteria remain elusive. We report that T. vaginalis has acquired, by lateral gene transfer from bacteria, genes encoding peptidoglycan hydrolases of the NlpC/P60 family. Two of the T. vaginalis enzymes were active against bacterial peptidoglycan, retaining the active-site fold and specificity as dl-endopeptidases. The endogenous NlpC/P60 genes are transcriptionally upregulated in T. vaginalis in the presence of bacteria. The overexpression of an exogenous copy enables the parasite to outcompete bacteria from mixed cultures, consistent with the biochemical activity of the enzyme. Our study results highlight the relevance of the interactions of this eukaryotic pathogen with bacteria, a poorly understood aspect of the biology of this important human parasite.IMPORTANCETrichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan of the human urogenital tract that causes trichomoniasis, a very common sexually transmitted disease. Despite residing extracellularly and in close association with the vaginal bacteria (i.e., the microbiota), very little is known about the nature of the parasite-bacterium interactions. Our study showed that this parasite had acquired genes from bacteria which retained their original function. They produce active enzymes capable of degrading peptidoglycan, a unique polymer of the bacterial cell envelope, helping the parasite to outcompete bacteria in mixed cultures. This study was the first to show that a laterally acquired group of genes enables a eukaryotic mucosal pathogen to control bacterial population. We highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between pathogens and microbiota, as the outcomes of these interactions are increasingly understood to have important implications on health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jully Pinheiro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jacob Biboy
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Robert P Hirt
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy R Keown
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Moyra M Black
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David C Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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42
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Anton L, Sierra LJ, DeVine A, Barila G, Heiser L, Brown AG, Elovitz MA. Common Cervicovaginal Microbial Supernatants Alter Cervical Epithelial Function: Mechanisms by Which Lactobacillus crispatus Contributes to Cervical Health. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2181. [PMID: 30349508 PMCID: PMC6186799 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervicovaginal (CV) microbiota is associated with vaginal health and disease in non-pregnant women. Recent studies in pregnant women suggest that specific CV microbes are associated with preterm birth (PTB). While the associations between CV microbiota and adverse outcomes have been demonstrated, the mechanisms regulating the associations remain unclear. As the CV space contains an epithelial barrier, we postulate that CV microbiota can alter the epithelial barrier function. We investigated the biological, molecular, and epigenetic effects of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, and Gardnerella vaginalis on the cervical epithelial barrier function and determined whether L. crispatus mitigates the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and G. vaginalis on the cervical epithelial barrier as a possible mechanism by which CV microbiota mitigates disease risk. Ectocervical and endocervical cells treated with L. crispatus, L. iners, and G. vaginalis bacteria-free supernatants alone or combined were used to measure cell permeability, adherens junction proteins, inflammatory mediators, and miRNAs. Ectocervical and endocervical permeability increased after L. iners and G. vaginalis exposure. Soluble epithelial cadherin increased after exposure to L. iners but not G. vaginalis or L. crispatus. A Luminex cytokine/chemokine panel revealed increased proinflammatory mediators in all three bacteria-free supernatants with L. iners and G. vaginalis having more diverse inflammatory effects. L. iners and G. vaginalis altered the expression of cervical-, microbial-, and inflammatory-associated miRNAs. L. crispatus mitigated the LPS or G. vaginalis-induced disruption of the cervical epithelial barrier and reversed the G. vaginalis-mediated increase in miRNA expression. G. vaginalis colonization of the CV space of a pregnant C57/B6 mouse resulted in 100% PTB. These findings demonstrate that L. iners and G. vaginalis alter the cervical epithelial barrier by regulating adherens junction proteins, cervical immune responses, and miRNA expressions. These results provide evidence that L. crispatus confers protection to the cervical epithelial barrier by mitigating LPS- or G. vaginalis-induced miRNAs associated with cervical remodeling, inflammation, and PTB. This study provides further evidence that the CV microbiota plays a role in cervical function by altering the cervical epithelial barrier and initiating PTB. Thus, targeting the CV microbiota and/or its effects on the cervical epithelium may be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Rossi M, Fasel N. The criminal association of Leishmania parasites and viruses. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 46:65-72. [PMID: 30096485 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In nature, humans infected with protozoan parasites can encounter viruses, which could alter their host immune response. The impact of viruses on human parasitic diseases remains largely unexplored due to the highly sterilized environment in experimental studies and the difficulty to draw a correlation between co-infection and pathology. Recent studies show that viral infections exacerbate pathology and promote dissemination of some Leishmania infections, based on a hyper-inflammatory reaction driven by type I interferons. Thus, not only the infecting parasite species, but also bystander viral infections could be a major determinant of the outcome of Leishmania infection. In this review, we focus on the contribution of viral co-infection to the exacerbation of leishmaniasis's pathology and its possible impact on treatment and vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Fasel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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Trichomonas vaginalis Transports Virulent Mycoplasma hominis and Transmits the Infection to Human Cells after Metronidazole Treatment: A Potential Role in Bacterial Invasion of Fetal Membranes and Amniotic Fluid. J Pregnancy 2018; 2018:5037181. [PMID: 30174955 PMCID: PMC6098910 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5037181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma hominis is considered an opportunistic pathogen able to colonize the lower urogenital tract; in females the infection is associated with severe pregnancy and postpartum complications, including abortion, endometritis, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. Molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence effectors remain poorly characterized. A number of studies in the last decade have demonstrated that M. hominis can establish an endosymbiotic relationship with Trichomonas vaginalis, a urogenital parasitic protozoon, also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Recently, two bacterial genes (alr and goiB) associated with amniotic cavity invasion and a single gene (goiC) associated with intra-amniotic infections and high risk of preterm delivery have been identified in M. hominis isolated from a group of pregnant patients. In this work we demonstrate that a high number of M. hominis intracellularly associated with T. vaginalis have goiC gene, in association with alr and goiB. In addition, we demonstrate that metronidazole treatment of M. hominis-infected T. vaginalis allows delivering viable intracellular goiC positive M. hominis from antibiotic-killed protozoa and that free M. hominis can infect human cell cultures. Results suggest that molecular diagnostic strategies to identify both pathogens and their virulence genes should be adopted to prevent severe complications during pregnancy.
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Mercer F, Johnson PJ. Trichomonas vaginalis: Pathogenesis, Symbiont Interactions, and Host Cell Immune Responses. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:683-693. [PMID: 30056833 PMCID: PMC11132421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) causes a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection. As an extracellular pathogen, the parasite mediates adherence to epithelial cells to colonize the human host. In addition, the parasite interfaces with the host immune system and the vaginal microbiota. Modes of Tv pathogenesis include damage to host tissue mediated by parasite killing of host cells, disruption of steady-state vaginal microbial ecology, and eliciting inflammation by activating the host immune response. Recent Tv research has uncovered new players that contribute to multifactorial mechanisms of host-parasite adherence and killing, and has examined the relationship between Tv and vaginal bacteria. Mechanisms that may lead to parasite recognition and killing, or the evasion of host immune cells, have also been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, 3801 West Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768, USA.
| | - Patricia J Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, 1602 Molecular Sciences Building, 609 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1489, USA.
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A Cell Surface Aggregation-Promoting Factor from Lactobacillus gasseri Contributes to Inhibition of Trichomonas vaginalis Adhesion to Human Vaginal Ectocervical Cells. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00907-17. [PMID: 29784856 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00907-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is commonly symptomatic in women. The causative agent is Trichomonas vaginalis, an extracellular protozoan parasite. The host-protective mechanisms and molecules of vaginal lactobacilli that counteract this pathogen are largely unknown. This study examines the inhibition promoted by Lactobacillus gasseri against the adhesion of T. vaginalis to host cells, a critical virulence aspect of this pathogen. We observed that the vaginal strain L. gasseri ATCC 9857 is highly inhibitory by various contact-dependent mechanisms and that surface proteins are largely responsible for this inhibitory phenotype. We found that the aggregation-promoting factor APF-2 from these bacteria significantly contributes to inhibition of the adhesion of T. vaginalis to human vaginal ectocervical cells. Understanding the molecules and mechanisms used by lactobacilli to protect the host against T. vaginalis might help in the development of novel and specific therapeutic strategies that take advantage of the natural microbiota.
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Higher vaginal pH in Trichomonas vaginalis infection with intermediate Nugent score in reproductive-age women-a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Odisha, India. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2735-2742. [PMID: 29936622 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5962-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A close association between Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported. Some other studies have found association is stronger with intermediate Nugent score than BV. Most studies have used wet mount microscopy, a relatively insensitive method, to detect TV infection. We wanted to study the association of TV infection with BV and with intermediate Nugent score. We undertook a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 1110 non-pregnant women from Odisha state, India, aged between 18 and 45 years, collecting vaginal swabs for diagnosis of BV by Nugent score (NS) criteria and TV by PCR analysis. TV infection was found in 13.3% of women with intermediate Nugent score (NS 4-6) and 13.6% with BV (NS 7-10). Before adjustment, TV infection was associated with BV, intermediate Nugent, vaginal pH ≥ 4.5, and age group between 26 and 35 years. Multivariate analysis confirmed that TV infection was more likely to have raised vaginal pH, either BV or intermediate Nugent. Proportion of TV cases increased sequentially with the increase in Nugent score up to NS 6, after which a decline was observed. Vaginal pH was higher in the TV-infected group than the uninfected group in women with intermediate Nugent, but no difference was noticed in women with BV. TV infection was equally prevalent in women with intermediate Nugent as well as BV. In the intermediate Nugent group women, TV infection was found only when vaginal pH was raised, indicating a crucial role of vaginal pH in determining TV infection.
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Incident Trichomonas vaginalis Is Associated With Partnership Concurrency: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:695-699. [PMID: 28876306 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual partner concurrency (PC) has been shown to be a risk factor for a number of sexually transmitted infections but it is unknown if it is a risk factor for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). OBJECTIVE We assess if there is an association between PC and incident TV infection. STUDY DESIGN We used mixed effects logistic regression to assess the association between PC and incident TV in the Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora, a cohort study of 3620 women followed quarterly for 5 visits. RESULTS Trichomonas vaginalis was more common in those reporting definite/possible/unknown PC (15.6%/15.0%/18.3%) than those reporting no PC (5.2%; P < 0.001 for all 3 comparisons). After controlling for a range of confounders, incident TV remained associated with reporting that one's partner definitely (adjusted odds ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-8.0) and possibly (adjusted odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-5.1) engaged in PC in the preceding period. CONCLUSIONS Partner concurrency was associated with incident TV infection.
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Taylor BD, Totten PA, Astete SG, Ferris MJ, Martin DH, Ness RB, Haggerty CL. Toll-like receptor variants and cervical Atopobium vaginae infection in women with pelvic inflammatory disease. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 79:10.1111/aji.12804. [PMID: 29286178 PMCID: PMC5826617 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Toll-like (TLR) receptor genetic variants have been implicated in bacterial vaginosis (BV). We determined whether TLR variants are associated with fastidious BV-associated microbes that are linked with infertility following pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHOD OF STUDY Sneathia spp., Atopobium vaginae, BVAB1, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were measured in 250 women from the PID Evaluation and Clinical Health (PEACH) study. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated adjusting for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Principal component analysis was used to adjust for population stratification. A false discovery rate q-value of 0.05 was significant. RESULTS TLR2-1733C>A (P = .003) and TLR2-616A>G (P = .004) were associated with cervical A. vaginae. TLR2-1733C>A and TLR6-438C>T were associated with A. vaginae detection in the endometrium, but this was not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (FDR q-value = 0.06). CONCLUSION Host gene variants in TLR2 signaling pathways were modestly associated with cervical A. vaginae in women with clinical PID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie D Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia A Totten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sabina G Astete
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael J Ferris
- Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - David H Martin
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Roberta B Ness
- The University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Catherine L Haggerty
- University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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50
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Effects of long-term weekly iron and folic acid supplementation on lower genital tract infection - a double blind, randomised controlled trial in Burkina Faso. BMC Med 2017; 15:206. [PMID: 29166928 PMCID: PMC5700548 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0967-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provision of routine iron supplements to prevent anaemia could increase the risk for lower genital tract infections as virulence of some pathogens depends on iron availability. This trial in Burkina Faso assessed whether weekly periconceptional iron supplementation increased the risk of lower genital tract infection in young non-pregnant and pregnant women. METHODS Genital tract infections were assessed within a double blind, controlled, non-inferiority trial of malaria risk among nulliparous women, randomised to receive either iron and folic acid or folic acid alone, weekly, under direct observation for 18 months. Women conceiving during this period entered the pregnancy cohort. End assessment (FIN) for women remaining non-pregnant was at 18 months. For the pregnancy cohort, end assessment was at the first scheduled antenatal visit (ANC1). Infection markers included Nugent scores for abnormal flora and bacterial vaginosis (BV), T. vaginalis PCR, vaginal microbiota, reported signs and symptoms, and antibiotic and anti-fungal prescriptions. Iron biomarkers were assessed at baseline, FIN and ANC1. Analysis compared outcomes by intention to treat and in iron replete/deficient categories. RESULTS A total of 1954 women (mean 16.8 years) were followed and 478 (24.5%) became pregnant. Median supplement adherence was 79% (IQR 59-90%). Baseline BV prevalence was 12.3%. At FIN and ANC1 prevalence was 12.8% and 7.0%, respectively (P < 0.011). T. vaginalis prevalence was 4.9% at FIN and 12.9% at ANC1 (P < 0.001). BV and T. vaginalis prevalence and microbiota profiles did not differ at trial end-points. Iron-supplemented non-pregnant women received more antibiotic treatments for non-genital infections (P = 0.014; mainly gastrointestinal infections (P = 0.005), anti-fungal treatments for genital infections (P = 0.014) and analgesics (P = 0.008). Weekly iron did not significantly reduce iron deficiency prevalence. At baseline, iron-deficient women were more likely to have normal vaginal flora (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Periconceptional weekly iron supplementation of young women did not increase the risk of lower genital tract infections but did increase general morbidity in the non-pregnant cohort. Unabsorbed gut iron due to malaria could induce enteric infections, accounting for the increased administration of antibiotics and antifungals in the iron-supplemented arm. This finding reinforces concerns about routine iron supplementation in highly malarious areas. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration number NCT01210040 . Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov on 27 September 2010.
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