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MacLelland V, Kravitz M, Gupta A. Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of antisense peptide nucleic acids. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102086. [PMID: 38204913 PMCID: PMC10777018 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic nucleic acid analogs with a neutral N-(2-aminoethyl) glycine backbone. PNAs possess unique physicochemical characteristics such as increased resistance to enzymatic degradation, ionic strength and stability over a wide range of temperatures and pH, and low intrinsic electrostatic repulsion against complementary target oligonucleotides. PNA has been widely used as an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). Despite the favorable characteristics of PNA, in comparison with other ASO technologies, the use of antisense PNA for novel therapeutics has lagged. This review provides a brief overview of PNA, its antisense mechanisms of action, delivery strategies, and highlights successful applications of PNA, focusing on anti-pathogenic, anti-neurodegenerative disease, anti-cancer, and diagnostic agents. For each application, several studies are discussed focusing on the different target sites of the PNA, design of different PNAs and the therapeutic outcome in different cell lines and animal models. Thereafter, persisting limitations slowing the successful integration of antisense PNA therapeutics are discussed in order to highlight actionable next steps in the development and optimization of PNA as an ASO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria MacLelland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Madeline Kravitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Anisha Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
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2
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Muzny CA, Cerca N, Elnaggar JH, Taylor CM, Sobel JD, Van Der Pol B. State of the Art for Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0083722. [PMID: 37199636 PMCID: PMC10446871 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00837-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among reproductive-age women. It is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in addition to adverse birth outcomes. While it is known that BV is a vaginal dysbiosis characterized by a shift in the vaginal microbiota from protective Lactobacillus species to an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria, its exact etiology remains unknown. The purpose of this minireview is to provide an updated overview of the range of tests currently used for the diagnosis of BV in both clinical and research settings. This article is divided into two primary sections: traditional BV diagnostics and molecular diagnostics. Molecular diagnostic assays, particularly 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are specifically highlighted, in addition to multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), given their increasing use in clinical practice (NAATs) and research studies (16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and FISH) regarding the vaginal microbiota and BV pathogenesis. We also provide a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of current BV diagnostic tests and discuss future challenges in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jacob H. Elnaggar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher M. Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jack D. Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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3
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Sousa LGV, Almeida C, Muzny CA, Cerca N. Development of a Prevotella bivia PNA probe and a multiplex approach to detect three relevant species in bacterial vaginosis-associated biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:42. [PMID: 37353508 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection worldwide. We developed a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe targeting Prevotella bivia, a common BV-associated bacteria, and optimized a multiplex approach for detection of Gardnerella spp., P. bivia and Fannyhessea vaginae. Our P. bivia PNA probe specifically detected the target species, and the optimized multiplex approach was able to detect the presence of the three species in multi-species BV biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- INIAV, IP- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Vila do Conde, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering (ALiCE), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- LABBELS - Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.
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Johnston W, Ware A, Kuiters WF, Delaney C, Brown JL, Hagen S, Corcoran D, Cummings M, Ramage G, Kean R. In vitro bacterial vaginosis biofilm community manipulation using endolysin therapy. Biofilm 2022; 5:100101. [PMID: 36655001 PMCID: PMC9841237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects approximately 26% of women of childbearing age globally, presenting with 3-5 times increased risk of miscarriage and two-fold risk of pre-term birth. Antibiotics (metronidazole and clindamycin) are typically employed to treat BV; however the success rate is low due to the formation of recalcitrant polymicrobial biofilms. As a novel therapeutic, promising results have been obtained in vitro using Gardnerella endolysins, although to date their efficacy has only been demonstrated against simple biofilm models. In this study, a four-species biofilm was developed consisting of Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, Prevotella bivia and Mobiluncus curtisii. Biofilms were grown in NYC III broth and treated using antibiotics and an anti-Gardnerella endolysin (CCB7.1) for 24 h. Biofilm composition, viability and structure were assessed using colony counts, live/dead qPCR and scanning electron microscopy. All species colonised biofilms to varying degrees, with G. vaginalis being the most abundant. Biofilm composition remained largely unchanged when challenged with escalated concentrations of conventional antibiotics. A Gardnerella-targeted endolysin candidate (CCB7.1) showed efficacy against several Gardnerella species planktonically, and significantly reduced viable G. vaginalis within polymicrobial biofilms at 1 to 4X pMIC (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle control). Collectively, this study highlights the resilience of biofilm-embedded pathogens against the currently used antibiotics and provides a polymicrobial model that allows for more effective pre-clinical screening of BV therapies. The Gardnerella-specific endolysin CCB7.1 demonstrated significant activity against G. vaginalis within polymicrobial biofilms, altering the overall community dynamic and composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Johnston
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Ware
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom
| | - Willemijn Frederique Kuiters
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Delaney
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom,Oral Sciences Research Group, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JZ, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Lee Brown
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom,Oral Sciences Research Group, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JZ, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Hagen
- Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom
| | - David Corcoran
- CC Biotech Ltd, Imperial Translation and Innovation Hub, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cummings
- CC Biotech Ltd, Imperial Translation and Innovation Hub, 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom,Oral Sciences Research Group, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JZ, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Kean
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom,Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, United Kingdom.
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5
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Rosca AS, Castro J, França Â, Vaneechoutte M, Cerca N. Gardnerella Vaginalis Dominates Multi-Species Biofilms in both Pre-Conditioned and Competitive In Vitro Biofilm Formation Models. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:1278-1287. [PMID: 34741647 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01917-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common bacterial vaginal infections worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, BV etiology is still unknown. Nevertheless, a hallmark of BV is the presence of a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium, formed primarily by Gardnerella spp. and other anaerobic species, of which co-colonization with Fannyhessea vaginae is considered an important diagnostic marker. We previously developed an in vitro biofilm model wherein Gardnerella was first allowed to establish an early biofilm that served as a scaffold for other species to adhere to. To better understand ecological interactions between BV-associated bacteria, we compared triple-species biofilms formed using two distinct models: a pre-conditioned (wherein Gardnerella vaginalis formed the early biofilm) model and a competitive (wherein all three bacteria were co-incubated together) model. Interestingly, synergistic growth interactions were more significant in the competitive model. Furthermore, the biofilm structure and species-specific distribution, as assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and using peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method, revealed two very different triple-species morphotypes, suggesting that different interactions occur in the different models. Interestingly, independent of the model or triple-species consortium tested, we observed that G. vaginalis represented most of the biofilm bacterial composition, further highlighting the relevance of this taxon in BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research (LBR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joana Castro
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ângela França
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research (LBR), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Rua da Universidade, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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Rodríguez-Arias RJ, Guachi-Álvarez BO, Montalvo-Vivero DE, Machado A. Lactobacilli displacement and Candida albicans inhibition on initial adhesion assays: a probiotic analysis. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:239. [PMID: 35799214 PMCID: PMC9264498 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study evaluates the probiotic activity of three vaginal Lactobacillus gasseri (H59.2, IMAUFB014, and JCM1131) and one non-vaginal L. plantarum ATCC14917 against three Candida albicans (ATCC10231, candidiasis, and healthy vaginal microbiota). Displacement of lactobacilli and adhesion inhibition of C. albicans were evaluated on an abiotic surface through adhesion assays with different experimental settings (ES) through low (1.0E + 03 CFU/ml) and high (1.00E + 09 CFU/ml) levels of colonization. ES simulated dysbiosis (ES1 and ES4), candidiasis (ES2), and healthy vaginal microbiota (ES3). Results At ES2 and ES3, L. gasseri H59.2 showed discrepant inhibition values among C. albicans isolates (ES2: P = 0.008, ES3: P = 0.030; two‐way ANOVA). L. plantarum was only displaced by 23%, 31%, 54%, and 94% against low and high levels of C. albicans ATCC10231. L. plantarum was less displaced, when compared to L. gasseri strains (ES1: 61–84%, ES2: 82–96%, ES3: 83–95%, and ES4: 73–97%), showing multiple statistical differences (ES1: P = < 0.001, ES2: P = 0.003, and ES3: P = < 0.001; two‐way ANOVA). L. plantarum also showed a superior inhibition of C. albicans ATCC10231 in ES1 (81%) and ES2 (58%) when compared to L. gasseri strains (ES1: 27–73%, P < 0.001; and ES2:1–49%, P < 0.001; two‐way ANOVA). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06114-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Josue Rodríguez-Arias
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Calle Diego de Robles y Pampite, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Bryan Omar Guachi-Álvarez
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Calle Diego de Robles y Pampite, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Dominique Esther Montalvo-Vivero
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Calle Diego de Robles y Pampite, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador
| | - António Machado
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA, Instituto de Microbiología, Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Calle Diego de Robles y Pampite, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador.
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7
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The role of Nucleic Acid Mimics (NAMs) on FISH-based techniques and applications for microbial detection. Microbiol Res 2022; 262:127086. [PMID: 35700584 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful tool that for more than 30 years has allowed to detect and quantify microorganisms as well as to study their spatial distribution in three-dimensional structured environments such as biofilms. Throughout these years, FISH has been improved in order to face some of its earlier limitations and to adapt to new research objectives. One of these improvements is related to the emergence of Nucleic Acid Mimics (NAMs), which are now employed as alternatives to the DNA and RNA probes that have been classically used in FISH. NAMs such as peptide and locked nucleic acids (PNA and LNA) have provided enhanced sensitivity and specificity to the FISH technique, as well as higher flexibility in terms of applications. In this review, we aim to cover the state-of-the-art of the different NAMs and explore their possible applications in FISH, providing a general overview of the technique advancement in the last decades.
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Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Tests for Identifying Protozoan and Bacterial Pathogens in Infectious Diseases
. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051286. [PMID: 35626441 PMCID: PMC9141552 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing and treating many infectious diseases depends on correctly identifying the causative pathogen. Characterization of pathogen-specific nucleic acid sequences by PCR is the most sensitive and specific method available for this purpose, although it is restricted to laboratories that have the necessary infrastructure and finance. Microscopy, rapid immunochromatographic tests for antigens, and immunoassays for detecting pathogen-specific antibodies are alternative and useful diagnostic methods with different advantages and disadvantages. Detection of ribosomal RNA molecules in the cytoplasm of bacterial and protozoan pathogens by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) using sequence-specific fluorescently labelled DNA probes, is cheaper than PCR and requires minimal equipment and infrastructure. A LED light source attached to most laboratory light microscopes can be used in place of a fluorescence microscope with a UV lamp for FISH. A FISH test hybridization can be completed in 30 min at 37 °C and the whole test in less than two hours. FISH tests can therefore be rapidly performed in both well-equipped and poorly-resourced laboratories. Highly sensitive and specific FISH tests for identifying many bacterial and protozoan pathogens that cause disease in humans, livestock and pets are reviewed, with particular reference to parasites causing malaria and babesiosis, and mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis.
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Exploiting the Anti-Biofilm Effect of the Engineered Phage Endolysin PM-477 to Disrupt In Vitro Single- and Dual-Species Biofilms of Vaginal Pathogens Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050558. [PMID: 35625202 PMCID: PMC9137943 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic vaginal pathogens, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, and Prevotella bivia, which are vaginal pathogens detected during the early stages of incident BV and have been found to form multi-species biofilms. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections, such as BV, is challenging. In this study, we tested the role of an investigational engineered phage endolysin, PM-477, in the eradication of dual-species biofilms composed of G. vaginalis–F. vaginae or G. vaginalis–P. bivia. Single-species biofilms formed by these species were also analysed as controls. The effect of PM-477 on biomass and culturability of single- and dual-species biofilms was assessed in vitro using a microtiter plate assay, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and quantitative PCR. The results showed that PM-477 was particularly effective in the disruption and reduction of culturability of G. vaginalis biofilms. In dual-species biofilms, PM-477 exhibited lower efficiency but was still able to selectively and significantly eliminate G. vaginalis. Since polymicrobial interactions have been shown to strongly affect the activity of various antibiotics, the activity of PM-477 in dual-species biofilms is a potentially promising result that should be further explored, aiming to completely eradicate multi-species biofilms associated with BV.
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Sousa LGV, Castro J, Cavaleiro C, Salgueiro L, Tomás M, Palmeira-Oliveira R, Martinez-Oliveira J, Cerca N. Synergistic effects of carvacrol, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, ρ-cymene and linalool against Gardnerella species. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4417. [PMID: 35292704 PMCID: PMC8924259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08217-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection affecting women worldwide. This infection is characterized by the loss of the dominant Lactobacillus community in the vaginal microbiota and an increase of anaerobic bacteria, that leads to the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm, mostly composed of Gardnerella spp. Treatment of BV is normally performed using broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as metronidazole and clindamycin. However, the high levels of recurrence of infection after treatment cessation have led to a demand for new therapeutic alternatives. Thymbra capitata essential oils (EOs) are known to have a wide spectrum of biological properties, including antibacterial activity. Thus, herein, we characterized two EOs of T. capitata and tested their antimicrobial activity as well as some of their main components, aiming to assess possible synergistic effects. Our findings showed that carvacrol and ρ-cymene established a strong synergistic antimicrobial effect against planktonic cultures of Gardnerella spp. On biofilm, carvacrol and linalool at sub-MIC concentrations proved more efficient in eliminating biofilm cells, while showing no cytotoxicity observed in a reconstituted human vaginal epithelium. The antibiofilm potential of the EOs and compounds was highlighted by the fact cells were not able to recover culturability after exposure to fresh medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cavaleiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lígia Salgueiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Tomás
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,LABBELS -Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.
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11
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Mechanistic Insights into Immune Suppression and Evasion in Bacterial Vaginosis. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:84. [PMID: 35128579 PMCID: PMC8818625 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02771-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The immunological response to bacterial vaginosis (BV) remains poorly understood and recurrent BV is still a major public health burden especially in the pregnant population. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which BV-associated bacteria suppress and circumvent the host and microbial defence responses, and propagate their survival/dominance without overt inflammation. We discuss the composition of cervicovaginal mucosal barrier and the mechanism by which BV circumvents host defence: the degradation of the mucosal barrier and immunoglobulin A (IgA); the BV-associated organism Gardnerella vaginalis haemolysin (vaginolysin); diminished IgA response against vaginolysin; mucosal sialic acid degradation, foraging and depletion; inhibition of IL-8-induced neutrophilic infiltration; and metabolite-induced incapacitation of neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis. We also highlight the tolerance/resistance to both host and antimicrobial molecules mounted by BV-associated biofilms. A plausible role of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (SIGLECS) was also suggested. Sialidase, which is often produced by G. vaginalis, is central to the immunosuppression, relapse and recurrence observed in BV, although it is supported by other hydrolytic enzymes, vaginolysin and immunomodulatory metabolites.
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12
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2183-2190. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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13
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Sousa LGV, Castro J, França A, Almeida C, Muzny CA, Cerca N. A New PNA-FISH Probe Targeting Fannyhessea vaginae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:779376. [PMID: 34869078 PMCID: PMC8637528 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.779376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and has been associated with serious health complications, mainly in pregnant women. It is characterized by a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus species in the healthy vaginal microbiota and an overgrowth of strict and facultative anaerobic bacteria that develop a polymicrobial biofilm. Despite over 60 years of research investigating BV, its etiology is not fully understood. Gardnerella spp. is a crucial microorganism that contributes to the formation of the biofilm and the development of BV, but the role of other BV-associated bacteria is not clear. Nevertheless, Fannyhessea vaginae (previously known as Atopobium vaginae) is a highly specific species for BV, and co-colonization with Gardnerella is thought to be a very specific diagnostic marker. The diagnosis of BV still presents some limitations, since currently used methods often fail to accurately detect BV. This work aims to develop a novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe targeting F. vaginae. This probe was further validated in a multiplex assay, which included a Gardnerella-specific PNA probe, as a possible method for diagnosis of BV, and was compared with quantification by qPCR. The new PNA probe showed excellent sensitivity and specificity and could discriminate F. vaginae-Gardnerella biofilms, confirming the potential to be used for the detection of BV-associated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia G V Sousa
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Angela França
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,INIAV, IP- National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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14
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Sande MG, Rodrigues JL, Ferreira D, Silva CJ, Rodrigues LR. Novel Biorecognition Elements against Pathogens in the Design of State-of-the-Art Diagnostics. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:bios11110418. [PMID: 34821636 PMCID: PMC8615483 DOI: 10.3390/bios11110418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Infectious agents, especially bacteria and viruses, account for a vast number of hospitalisations and mortality worldwide. Providing effective and timely diagnostics for the multiplicity of infectious diseases is challenging. Conventional diagnostic solutions, although technologically advanced, are highly complex and often inaccessible in resource-limited settings. An alternative strategy involves convenient rapid diagnostics which can be easily administered at the point-of-care (POC) and at low cost without sacrificing reliability. Biosensors and other rapid POC diagnostic tools which require biorecognition elements to precisely identify the causative pathogen are being developed. The effectiveness of these devices is highly dependent on their biorecognition capabilities. Naturally occurring biorecognition elements include antibodies, bacteriophages and enzymes. Recently, modified molecules such as DNAzymes, peptide nucleic acids and molecules which suffer a selective screening like aptamers and peptides are gaining interest for their biorecognition capabilities and other advantages over purely natural ones, such as robustness and lower production costs. Antimicrobials with a broad-spectrum activity against pathogens, such as antibiotics, are also used in dual diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Other successful pathogen identification strategies use chemical ligands, molecularly imprinted polymers and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated nuclease. Herein, the latest developments regarding biorecognition elements and strategies to use them in the design of new biosensors for pathogens detection are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Sande
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.S.); (J.L.R.); (D.F.)
| | - Joana L. Rodrigues
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.S.); (J.L.R.); (D.F.)
| | - Débora Ferreira
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.S.); (J.L.R.); (D.F.)
| | - Carla J. Silva
- CENTI—Center for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials, Rua Fernando Mesquita 2785, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal;
- CITEVE—Technological Center for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal, Rua Fernando Mesquita 2785, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Ligia R. Rodrigues
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, Universidade do Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.S.); (J.L.R.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-253601978
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15
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Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella bivia Are Able to Incorporate and Influence Gene Expression in a Pre-Formed Gardnerella vaginalis Biofilm. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020247. [PMID: 33672647 PMCID: PMC7924186 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium where Gardnerella species presumably play a pivotal role. Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia are vaginal pathogens detected during the early stages of incident BV. Herein, we aimed to analyze the impact of A. vaginae and P. bivia on a pre-established G. vaginalis biofilm using a novel in vitro triple-species biofilm model. Total biofilm biomass was determined by the crystal violet method. We also discriminated the bacterial populations in the biofilm and in its planktonic fraction by using PNA FISH. We further analyzed the influence of A. vaginae and P. bivia on the expression of key virulence genes of G. vaginalis by quantitative PCR. In our tested conditions, A. vaginae and P. bivia were able to incorporate into pre-established G. vaginalis biofilms but did not induce an increase in total biofilm biomass, when compared with 48-h G. vaginalis biofilms. However, they were able to significantly influence the expression of HMPREF0424_0821, a gene suggested to be associated with biofilm maintenance in G. vaginalis. This study suggests that microbial relationships between co-infecting bacteria can deeply affect the G. vaginalis biofilm, a crucial marker of BV.
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16
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Adebowale O, Good L. Development of a fixation-free fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of Salmonella species. Biol Methods Protoc 2020; 5:bpaa024. [PMID: 33381652 PMCID: PMC7756007 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella is one of the most important infectious bacteria causing severe gastroenteritis and deaths in humans and animals, and the prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective control and treatment. The detection of Salmonella still depends principally on culture-based methods, which is time-consuming and laborious. Recently, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was discovered to have cellular delivery properties and its combination with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method was exploited for oligomer delivery and the rapid detection of Salmonella spps in this study. Cell-associated fluorescence was quantified using Volocity® 3-D image analysis software (Volocity 6.3, PerkinElmer, Inc.). PHMB complexed with fluorophore-labelled species-specific oligomers permeabilized freshly grown viable strains of Salmonella cells and mediated strong cell-associated fluorescence signals. This strategy further enabled a fixation-free protocol and hybridization in a single reaction. Using the modified FISH method, monoculture Salmonella strains were validated as well as detected in artificially contaminated water and milk within a turnaround period of 5 h. The method was observed to be comparable with the standard FISH technique (sFISH; P > 0.05). The findings suggest that fixation-free delivery and hybridization of oligomers using PHMB can provide a simplified and prompt strategy for Salmonella detection at the species level, and promote early management responses to the disease and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwawemimo Adebowale
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Liam Good
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK
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17
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Grainha T, Magalhães AP, Melo LDR, Pereira MO. Pitfalls Associated with Discriminating Mixed-Species Biofilms by Flow Cytometry. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110741. [PMID: 33121057 PMCID: PMC7694060 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since biofilms are ubiquitous in different settings and act as sources of disease for humans, reliable methods to characterize and quantify these microbial communities are required. Numerous techniques have been employed, but most of them are unidirectional, labor intensive and time consuming. Although flow cytometry (FCM) can be a reliable choice to quickly provide a multiparametric analysis, there are still few applications on biofilms, and even less on the study of inter-kingdom communities. This work aimed to give insights into the application of FCM in order to more comprehensively analyze mixed-species biofilms, formed by different Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans strains, before and after exposure to antimicrobials. For comparison purposes, biofilm culturability was also assessed determining colony-forming units. The results showed that some aspects, namely the microbial strain used, the morphological state of the cells and the biofilm matrix, make the accurate analysis of FCM data difficult. These aspects were even more challenging when double-species biofilms were being inspected, as they could engender data misinterpretations. The outcomes draw our attention towards the need to always take into consideration the characteristics of the biofilm samples to be analyzed through FCM, and undoubtedly link to the need for optimization of the processes tailored for each particular case study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luís D. R. Melo
- Correspondence: (L.D.R.M.); (M.O.P.); Tel.: +351-253-601-989 (L.D.R.M.); +351-253-604-402 (M.O.P.)
| | - Maria O. Pereira
- Correspondence: (L.D.R.M.); (M.O.P.); Tel.: +351-253-601-989 (L.D.R.M.); +351-253-604-402 (M.O.P.)
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18
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Castro J, Rosca AS, Cools P, Vaneechoutte M, Cerca N. Gardnerella vaginalis Enhances Atopobium vaginae Viability in an in vitro Model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:83. [PMID: 32195197 PMCID: PMC7064616 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of reproductive age. A hallmark of BV is the presence of a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium, presumably initiated by facultative anaerobes of the genus Gardnerella, which then becomes a scaffold for other species to adhere to. One of the species often found incorporated in Gardnerella mediated biofilms is Atopobium vaginae. Interestingly, A. vaginae is very rarely found without the presence of Gardnerella. However, not much is known regarding the interactions between A. vaginae and Gardnerella species. This study assessed biological interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis and A. vaginae. In our in vitro model, by using specific Gardnerella and A. vaginae Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) probes, we confirmed that A. vaginae was able to incorporate a pre-formed G. vaginalis biofilm, accounting for up to 20% of the total number of biofilm cells. However, our findings showed that almost 92% of A. vaginae cells lost viability after 48 h of mono-species planktonic growth, but were able to maintain viability when co-cultured with Gardnerella or after pre-conditioning with cell-free supernatant of Gardnerella cultures. While the in vitro conditions are very different from the in vivo microenvironment, this study contributes to a better understanding of why A. vaginae vaginal colonization rarely occurs in the absence of Gardnerella. Overall, this highlights the importance of microbial interactions between BV-associated bacteria and demands more studies focused on the polymicrobial bacterial communities found in BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Castro
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Braga, Portugal
| | - Aliona S Rosca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Braga, Portugal
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Braga, Portugal
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19
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Lactobacillus iners Is Associated with Vaginal Dysbiosis in Healthy Pregnant Women: A Preliminary Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6079734. [PMID: 31781627 PMCID: PMC6855029 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6079734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal dysbiosis has been identified to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes. However, the overall structure and composition of vaginal microbiota in different trimesters of the pregnant women has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the physiological changes of the vaginal microbiota in healthy pregnant women were investigated. A total of 83 healthy pregnant participants were enrolled, who are in the first, second, or third pregnancy trimester. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to explore the abundant bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. No significant difference in the abundance of Gardnerella, Atopobium, Megasphaera, Eggerthella, Leptotrichia/Sneathia, or Prevotella was found among different trimesters, except Lactobacillus. Compared with the first pregnancy trimester, the abundance of L. iners decreased in the second and third trimester while the abundance of L. crispatus was increased in the second trimester. Moreover, we also found that vaginal cleanliness is correlated with the present of Lactobacillus, Atopobium, and Prevotella and leukocyte esterase is associated with Lactobacillus, Atopobium, Gardnerella, Eggerthella, Leptotrichia/Sneathia, and Prevotella. For those whose vaginal cleanliness raised or leukocyte esterase became positive, the richness of L. iners increased, while that of L. crispatus decreased significantly. Our present data indicated that the altered vaginal microbiota, mainly Lactobacillus, could be observed among different trimesters of pregnancy and L. iners could be considered as a potential bacterial marker for evaluating vaginal cleanliness and leukocyte esterase.
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20
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Castro J, Machado D, Cerca N. Unveiling the role of Gardnerella vaginalis in polymicrobial Bacterial Vaginosis biofilms: the impact of other vaginal pathogens living as neighbors. THE ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:1306-1317. [PMID: 30670827 PMCID: PMC6474217 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm, which is strongly adhered to the vaginal epithelium and primarily consists of the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. However, despite the presence of other BV-associated bacteria, little is known regarding the impact of other species on BV development. To gain insight into BV progress, we analyzed the ecological interactions between G. vaginalis and 15 BV-associated microorganisms using a dual-species biofilm model. Bacterial populations were quantified using a validated peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization approach. Furthermore, biofilm structure was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, bacterial coaggregation ability was determined as well as the expression of key virulence genes. Remarkably, our results revealed distinct biofilm structures between each bacterial consortium, leading to at least three unique dual-species biofilm morphotypes. Furthermore, our transcriptomic findings seem to indicate that Enterococcus faecalis and Actinomyces neuii had a higher impact on the enhancement of G. vaginalis virulence, while the other tested species had a lower or no impact on G. vaginalis virulence. This study casts a new light on how BV-associated species can modulate the virulence aspects of G. vaginalis, contributing to a better understanding of the development of BV-associated biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Machado
- 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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21
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Diop K, Dufour JC, Levasseur A, Fenollar F. Exhaustive repertoire of human vaginal microbiota. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Salinas AM, Osorio VG, Endara PF, Salazar ER, Vasco GP, Vivero SG, Machado A. Bacterial identification of the vaginal microbiota in Ecuadorian pregnant teenagers: an exploratory analysis. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4317. [PMID: 29492333 PMCID: PMC5826987 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a microbial imbalance (i.e., dysbiosis) that can produce serious medical effects in women at childbearing age. Little is known, however, about the incidence of BV or vaginal microbiota dysbiosis in pregnant teenagers in low and middle-income countries such as Ecuador. The scope of this exploratory analysis was to study the relationship between epidemiologic and microbial risk factors. Among the microbiology risk factors this study investigated five Lactobacillus species, two of them know in preview studies as microbiology risk factors for BV development (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus iners), and the last three known for being associated with a healthy vaginal tract (Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii). In addition, fastidious anaerobes known to be microbial risk factors for BV development in pregnant teenagers were searched as well, more exactly, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Mobiluncus mulieris. Methods Ninety-five healthy adolescent pregnant women, visiting a secondary level hospital in Quito, Ecuador, were enrolled into the study in 2015. The enrolled patients were between 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Four epidemiological risk factors were collected in a survey: age, civil status, sexual partners and condom use. Also, vaginal pH was measured as a health risk factor. DNA was extracted from endocervical and exocervical epithelia from all the patients’ samples. PCR analysis was performed in order to characterize the presence of the eight bacterial species known as risk factors for BV development, targeting three anaerobes and five Lactobacillus species. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify associated factors for the presence of anaerobic species using logistic regression. Results The 95 vaginal microflora samples of these teenagers were analyzed. Two of the bacterial species known to cause BV: A. vaginae (100%) and G. vaginalis (93.7%) were found in high prevalence. Moreover, the most predominant bacterial Lactobacillus species found in the pregnant teenagers’ vaginal tract were L. crispatus (92.6%), L. iners (89.5%) and L. acidophilus (87.4%). In addition, the average vaginal pH measured in the study population was 5.2, and high pH was associated with the presence of the three-anaerobic species (p = 0.001). Finally, L. jensenii’s presence in the study decreased in 72% the occupation of the three anaerobes. Discussion This work identified a high pH as a risk factor for BV anaerobes’ presence in adolescent pregnant women. Moreover, this study identified L. crispatus, L. iners and L. acidophilus to be the most abundant species in our study population. From all fastidious anaerobes analyzed in this study, A. vaginae was present in all pregnant teenagers. To conclude, L. jensenii could be a potential healthy vaginal microbiota candidate in pregnant teenagers and should be further analyzed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Salinas
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Gabriela Osorio
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Pablo Francisco Endara
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Gabriela Piedad Vasco
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Antonio Machado
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
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23
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Tailhades J, Takizawa H, Gait MJ, Wellings DA, Wade JD, Aoki Y, Shabanpoor F. Solid-Phase Synthesis of Difficult Purine-Rich PNAs through Selective Hmb Incorporation: Application to the Total Synthesis of Cell Penetrating Peptide-PNAs. Front Chem 2017; 5:81. [PMID: 29094037 PMCID: PMC5651559 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based drug development is gaining significant momentum following the recent FDA approval of Eteplirsen (an ASO based on phosphorodiamidate morpholino) and Spinraza (2′-O-methoxyethyl-phosphorothioate) in late 2016. Their attractiveness is mainly due to the backbone modifications which have improved the in vivo characteristics of oligonucleotide drugs. Another class of ASO, based on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) chemistry, is also gaining popularity as a platform for development of gene-specific therapy for various disorders. However, the chemical synthesis of long PNAs, which are more target-specific, remains an ongoing challenge. Most of the reported methodology for the solid-phase synthesis of PNA suffer from poor coupling efficiency which limits production to short PNA sequences of less than 15 residues. Here, we have studied the effect of backbone modifications with Hmb (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl) and Dmb (2,4-dimethoxybenzyl) to ameliorate difficult couplings and reduce “on-resin” aggregation. We firstly synthesized a library of PNA dimers incorporating either Hmb or Dmb and identified that Hmb is superior to Dmb in terms of its ease of removal. Subsequently, we used Hmb backbone modification to synthesize a 22-mer purine-rich PNA, targeting dystrophin RNA splicing, which could not be synthesized by standard coupling methodology. Hmb backbone modification allowed this difficult PNA to be synthesized as well as to be continued to include a cell-penetrating peptide on the same solid support. This approach provides a novel and straightforward strategy for facile solid-phase synthesis of difficult purine-rich PNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tailhades
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hotake Takizawa
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael J Gait
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Medical Research Council, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - John D Wade
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yoshitsugu Aoki
- Department of Molecular Therapy, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fazel Shabanpoor
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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24
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Gottschick C, Deng ZL, Vital M, Masur C, Abels C, Pieper DH, Rohde M, Mendling W, Wagner-Döbler I. Treatment of biofilms in bacterial vaginosis by an amphoteric tenside pessary-clinical study and microbiota analysis. MICROBIOME 2017; 5:119. [PMID: 28903767 PMCID: PMC5598074 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0326-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal syndrome among women in their reproductive years. It is associated with an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections and complications like preterm labor. BV is characterized by a high recurrence rate for which biofilms frequently found on vaginal epithelial cells may be a reason. RESULTS Here, we report a controlled randomized clinical trial that tested the safety and effectiveness of a newly developed pessary containing an amphoteric tenside (WO3191) to disrupt biofilms after metronidazole treatment of BV. Pessaries containing lactic acid were provided to the control group, and microbial community composition was determined via Illumina sequencing of the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The most common community state type (CST) in healthy women was characterized by Lactobacillus crispatus. In BV, diversity was high with communities dominated by either Lactobacillus iners, Prevotella bivia, Sneathia amnii, or Prevotella amnii. Women with BV and proven biofilms had an increased abundance of Sneathia sanguinegens and a decreased abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis. Following metronidazole treatment, clinical symptoms cleared, Nugent score shifted to Lactobacillus dominance, biofilms disappeared, and diversity (Shannon index) was reduced in most women. Most of the patients responding to therapy exhibited a L. iners CST. Treatment with WO 3191 reduced biofilms but did not prevent recurrence. Women with high diversity after antibiotic treatment were more likely to develop recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Stabilizing the low diversity healthy flora by promoting growth of health-associated Lactobacillus sp. such as L. crispatus may be beneficial for long-term female health. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02687789.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Gottschick
- Research Group Microbial Communication, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Zhi-Luo Deng
- Research Group Microbial Communication, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marius Vital
- Research Group Microbial Interactions and Processes, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Clarissa Masur
- Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co. KG Arzneimittel, Sudbrackstrasse 56, 33611 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christoph Abels
- Dr. August Wolff GmbH & Co. KG Arzneimittel, Sudbrackstrasse 56, 33611 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dietmar H. Pieper
- Research Group Microbial Interactions and Processes, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Werner Mendling
- German Center for Infections in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Irene Wagner-Döbler
- Research Group Microbial Communication, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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25
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Hardy L, Jespers V, De Baetselier I, Buyze J, Mwambarangwe L, Musengamana V, van de Wijgert J, Crucitti T. Association of vaginal dysbiosis and biofilm with contraceptive vaginal ring biomass in African women. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178324. [PMID: 28594946 PMCID: PMC5464551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the presence, density and bacterial composition of contraceptive vaginal ring biomass and its association with the vaginal microbiome. Of 415 rings worn by 120 Rwandese women for three weeks, the biomass density was assessed with crystal violet and the bacterial composition of biomass eluates was assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The biomass was visualised after fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The vaginal microbiome was assessed with Nugent scoring and vaginal biofilm was visualised after FISH. All vaginal rings were covered with biomass (mean optical density (OD) of 3.36; standard deviation (SD) 0.64). Lactobacilli were present on 93% of the rings, Gardnerella vaginalis on 57%, and Atopobium vaginae on 37%. The ring biomass density was associated with the concentration of A. vaginae (OD +0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.05 for one log increase; p = 0.002) and of G. vaginalis (OD +0.03; (95% CI 0.01–0.05; p = 0.013). The density also correlated with Nugent score: rings worn by women with a BV Nugent score (mean OD +0.26), and intermediate score (mean OD +0.09) had a denser biomass compared to rings worn by participants with a normal score (p = 0.002). Furthermore, presence of vaginal biofilm containing G. vaginalis (p = 0.001) and A. vaginae (p = 0.005) correlated with a denser ring biomass (mean OD +0.24 and +0.22 respectively). With SEM we observed either a loose network of elongated bacteria or a dense biofilm. We found a correlation between vaginal dysbiosis and the density and composition of the ring biomass, and further research is needed to determine if these relationships are causal. As multipurpose vaginal rings to prevent pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases are being developed, the potential impact of ring biomass on the vaginal microbiota and the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients should be researched in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Hardy
- HIV and Sexual Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Vicky Jespers
- HIV and Sexual Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irith De Baetselier
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Janneke van de Wijgert
- Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Frickmann H, Zautner AE, Moter A, Kikhney J, Hagen RM, Stender H, Poppert S. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the microbiological diagnostic routine laboratory: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2017; 43:263-293. [PMID: 28129707 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2016.1169990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Early identification of microbial pathogens is essential for rational and conservative antibiotic use especially in the case of known regional resistance patterns. Here, we describe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as one of the rapid methods for easy identification of microbial pathogens, and its advantages and disadvantages for the diagnosis of pathogens in human infections in the laboratory diagnostic routine. Binding of short fluorescence-labeled DNA or nucleic acid-mimicking PNA probes to ribosomes of infectious agents with consecutive analysis by fluorescence microscopy allows identification of bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens at genus or species level. FISH analysis leads to immediate differentiation of infectious agents without delay due to the need for microbial culture. As a microscopic technique, FISH has the unique potential to provide information about spatial resolution, morphology and identification of key pathogens in mixed species samples. On-going automation and commercialization of the FISH procedure has led to significant shortening of the time-to-result and increased test reliability. FISH is a useful tool for the rapid initial identification of microbial pathogens, even from primary materials. Among the rapidly developing alternative techniques, FISH serves as a bridging technology between microscopy, microbial culture, biochemical identification and molecular diagnostic procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- a German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Andreas Erich Zautner
- b Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Annette Moter
- c University Medical Center Berlin, Biofilmcenter at the German Heart Institute Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Judith Kikhney
- c University Medical Center Berlin, Biofilmcenter at the German Heart Institute Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- a German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg, Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute , Hamburg , Germany
| | | | - Sven Poppert
- e Institute for Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen , Giessen , Germany
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Machado A, Cerca N. Multiplex Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (PNA-FISH) for Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1616:209-219. [PMID: 28600771 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7037-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a molecular method used to identify and quantify microorganisms in a wide range of samples. This technique combines the simplicity of microscopic observation and the specificity of DNA/rRNA hybridization, allowing detection of selected bacterial species and morphologic visualization. Here, we describe a quantitative molecular diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, based on the classical Nugent score. Our probes are able to differentiate Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis from the other undefined bacterial species considered in the Nugent score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Machado
- Microbiology Institute, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Cumbayá, Quito, 170157, Ecuador
| | - Nuno Cerca
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
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Sharma C, Awasthi SK. Versatility of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs): role in chemical biology, drug discovery, and origins of life. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 89:16-37. [PMID: 27490868 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review briefly discussed nomenclature, synthesis, chemistry, and biophysical properties of a plethora of PNA derivatives reported since the discovery of aegPNA. Different synthetic methods and structural analogs of PNA synthesized till date were also discussed. An insight was gained into various chemical, physical, and biological properties of PNA which make it preferable over all other classes of modified nucleic acid analogs. Thereafter, various approaches with special attention to the practical constraints, characteristics, and inherent drawbacks leading to the delay in the development of PNA as gene therapeutic drug were outlined. An explicit account of the successful application of PNA in different areas of research such as antisense and antigene strategies, diagnostics, molecular probes, and so forth was described along with the current status of PNA as gene therapeutic drug. Further, the plausibility of the existence of PNA and its role in primordial chemistry, that is, origin of life was explored in an endeavor to comprehend the mystery and open up its deepest secrets ever engaging and challenging the human intellect. We finally concluded it with a discussion on the future prospects of PNA technology in the field of therapeutics, diagnostics, and origin of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjeev Sharma
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Satish Kumar Awasthi
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Nielsen SM, Nørskov-Lauritsen N, Bjarnsholt T, Meyer RL. Achromobacter Species Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients Reveal Distinctly Different Biofilm Morphotypes. Microorganisms 2016; 4:microorganisms4030033. [PMID: 27681927 PMCID: PMC5039593 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms4030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Achromobacter species have attracted attention as emerging pathogens in cystic fibrosis. The clinical significance of Achromobacter infection is not yet fully elucidated; however, their intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials and ability to form biofilms renders them capable of establishing long-term chronic infections. Still, many aspects of Achromobacter biofilm formation remain uncharacterized. In this study, we characterized biofilm formation in clinical isolates of Achromobacter and investigated the effect of challenging the biofilm with antimicrobials and/or enzymes targeting the extracellular matrix. In vitro biofilm growth and subsequent visualization by confocal microscopy revealed distinctly different biofilm morphotypes: a surface-attached biofilm morphotype of small aggregates and an unattached biofilm morphotype of large suspended aggregates. Aggregates consistent with our in vitro findings were visualized in sputum samples from cystic fibrosis patients using an Achromobacter specific peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) probe, confirming the presence of Achromobacter biofilms in the CF lung. High antibiotic tolerance was associated with the biofilm phenotype, and biocidal antibiotic concentrations were up to 1000 fold higher than for planktonic cultures. Treatment with DNase or subtilisin partially dispersed the biofilm and reduced the tolerance to specific antimicrobials, paving the way for further research into using dispersal mechanisms to improve treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe M Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | - Thomas Bjarnsholt
- Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rikke L Meyer
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
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Hardy L, Jespers V, Abdellati S, De Baetselier I, Mwambarangwe L, Musengamana V, van de Wijgert J, Vaneechoutte M, Crucitti T. A fruitful alliance: the synergy between Atopobium vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis in bacterial vaginosis-associated biofilm. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 92:487-491. [PMID: 26965870 PMCID: PMC5136707 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterised by a change in the microbial composition of the vagina. The BV-associated organisms outnumber the health-associated Lactobacillus species and form a polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium, possibly explaining the difficulties with antibiotic treatment. A better understanding of vaginal biofilm with emphasis on Atopobium vaginae and Gardnerella vaginalis may contribute to a better diagnosis and treatment of BV. Methods To this purpose, we evaluated the association between the presence of both bacteria by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and BV by Nugent scoring in 463 vaginal slides of 120 participants participating in a clinical trial in Rwanda. Results A bacterial biofilm was detected in half of the samples using a universal bacterial probe. The biofilm contained A. vaginae in 54.1% and G. vaginalis in 82.0% of the samples. A. vaginae was accompanied by G. vaginalis in 99.5% of samples. The odds of having a Nugent score above 4 were increased for samples with dispersed G. vaginalis and/or A. vaginae present (OR 4.5; CI 2 to 10.3). The probability of having a high Nugent score was even higher when a combination of adherent G. vaginalis and dispersed A. vaginae was visualised (OR 75.6; CI 13.3 to 429.5) and highest when both bacteria were part of the biofilm (OR 119; CI 39.9 to 360.8). Conclusions Our study, although not comprehensive at studying the polymicrobial biofilm in BV, provided a strong indication towards the importance of A. vaginae and the symbiosis of A. vaginae and G. vaginalis in this biofilm. Trial registration number NCT01796613.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Hardy
- HIV and Sexual Health Group, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicky Jespers
- HIV and Sexual Health Group, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Said Abdellati
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irith De Baetselier
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Janneke van de Wijgert
- Rinda Ubuzima, Kigali, Rwanda.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Castro J, Machado D, Cerca N. Escherichia coliandEnterococcus faecalisare able to incorporate and enhance a pre-formedGardnerella vaginalisbiofilm. Pathog Dis 2016; 74:ftw007. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftw007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Shah J, Mark O, Weltman H, Barcelo N, Lo W, Wronska D, Kakkilaya S, Rao A, Bhat ST, Sinha R, Omar S, O’bare P, Moro M, Gilman RH, Harris N. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Assays for Diagnosing Malaria in Endemic Areas. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136726. [PMID: 26333092 PMCID: PMC4558036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a responsible for approximately 600 thousand deaths worldwide every year. Appropriate and timely treatment of malaria can prevent deaths but is dependent on accurate and rapid diagnosis of the infection. Currently, microscopic examination of the Giemsa stained blood smears is the method of choice for diagnosing malaria. Although it has limited sensitivity and specificity in field conditions, it still remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria. Here, we report the development of a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) based method for detecting malaria infection in blood smears and describe the use of an LED light source that makes the method suitable for use in resource-limited malaria endemic countries. The Plasmodium Genus (P-Genus) FISH assay has a Plasmodium genus specific probe that detects all five species of Plasmodium known to cause the disease in humans. The P. falciparum (PF) FISH assay and P. vivax (PV) FISH assay detect and differentiate between P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively from other Plasmodium species. The FISH assays are more sensitive than Giemsa. The sensitivities of P-Genus, PF and PV FISH assays were found to be 98.2%, 94.5% and 98.3%, respectively compared to 89.9%, 83.3% and 87.9% for the detection of Plasmodium, P. falciparum and P. vivax by Giemsa staining respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Shah
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
| | - Olivia Mark
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
| | - Helena Weltman
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
| | - Nicolas Barcelo
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
| | - Wai Lo
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
| | - Danuta Wronska
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
| | | | | | | | - Ruchi Sinha
- Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India
| | - Sabah Omar
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Manuel Moro
- National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Gilman
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nick Harris
- ID-FISH Technology Inc., Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- IGeneX Inc. Palo Alto, California, United States of America,
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33
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Hardy L, Jespers V, Dahchour N, Mwambarangwe L, Musengamana V, Vaneechoutte M, Crucitti T. Unravelling the Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Biofilm: A Multiplex Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Assay Using Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136658. [PMID: 26305575 PMCID: PMC4548953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition defined by increased vaginal discharge without significant inflammation, is characterized by a change in the bacterial composition of the vagina. Lactobacillus spp., associated with a healthy vaginal microbiome, are outnumbered by BV-associated organisms. These bacteria could form a polymicrobial biofilm which allows them to persist in spite of antibiotic treatment. In this study, we examined the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in vaginal biofilms using Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes targeting these bacteria. For this purpose, we developed three new PNA probes for A. vaginae. The most specific A. vaginae probe, AtoITM1, was selected and then used in an assay with two existing probes, Gard162 and BacUni-1, to evaluate multiplex FISH on clinical samples. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as the gold standard, we demonstrated a sensitivity of 66.7% (95% confidence interval: 54.5% - 77.1%) and a specificity of 89.4% (95% confidence interval: 76.1% - 96%) of the new AtoITM1 probe. FISH enabled us to show the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm in bacterial vaginosis, in which Atopobium vaginae is part of a Gardnerella vaginalis-dominated biofilm. We showed that the presence of this biofilm is associated with high bacterial loads of A. vaginae and G. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselotte Hardy
- Unit of Epidemiology and Control of HIV/STD, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Vicky Jespers
- Unit of Epidemiology and Control of HIV/STD, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nassira Dahchour
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Plantijn Hogeschool, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Using an in-vitro biofilm model to assess the virulence potential of bacterial vaginosis or non-bacterial vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis isolates. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11640. [PMID: 26113465 PMCID: PMC4481526 DOI: 10.1038/srep11640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella vaginalis is the most common species found in bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, it is also present in a significant proportion of healthy women and G. vaginalis vaginal colonization does not always lead to BV. In an effort to better understand the differences between G. vaginalis isolated from women with a positive (BV) versus a negative (non-BV) diagnosis of BV, we compared the virulence potential of 7 BV and 7 non-BV G. vaginalis isolates and assessed the virulence factors related to biofilm formation, namely: initial adhesion and cytotoxic effect, biofilm accumulation, susceptibility to antibiotics, and transcript levels of the known vaginolysin, and sialidase genes. Furthermore, we also determined the ability of G. vaginalis to displace lactobacilli previously adhered to HeLa cells. Our results showed that non-BV strains were less virulent than BV strains, as suggested by the lower cytotoxicity and initial adhesion to Hela cells. Significant differences in expression of known virulence genes were also detected, further suggesting a higher virulence potential of the BV associated G. vaginalis. Importantly, we demonstrated that BV associated G. vaginalis were able to displace pre-coated vaginal protective lactobacilli and we hypothesize this to be a trigger for BV development.
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Machado A, Cerca N. Influence of Biofilm Formation by Gardnerella vaginalis and Other Anaerobes on Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1856-61. [PMID: 26080369 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the worldwide leading vaginal disorder among women of reproductive age. BV is characterized by the replacement of beneficial lactobacilli and the augmentation of anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis is a predominant bacterial species, but BV is also associated with other numerous anaerobes, such as Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus mulieris, Prevotella bivia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Peptoniphilus species. Currently, the role of G. vaginalis in the etiology of BV remains a matter of controversy. However, it is known that, in patients with BV, a biofilm is usually formed on the vaginal epithelium and that G. vaginalis is typically the predominant species. So, the current paradigm is that the establishment of a biofilm plays a key role in the pathogenesis of BV. This review provides background on the influence of biofilm formation by G. vaginalis and other anaerobes, from the time of their initial adhesion until biofilm formation, in the polymicrobial etiology of BV and discusses the commensal and synergic interactions established between them to understand the phenotypic shift of G. vaginalis biofilm formation to BV establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Machado
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Ecuador
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Machado A, Castro J, Cereija T, Almeida C, Cerca N. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by a new multiplex peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method. PeerJ 2015; 3:e780. [PMID: 25737820 PMCID: PMC4338769 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of most common vaginal infections. However, its diagnosis by classical methods reveals low specificity. Our goal was to evaluate the accuracy diagnosis of 150 vaginal samples with research gold standard methods and our Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) methodology. Also, we described the first PNA-FISH methodology for BV diagnosis, which provides results in approximately 3 h. The results showed a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), from 64.3 to 95.0%) and a specificity of 97.6% (95% CI [92.6-99.4%]), demonstrating the higher specificity of the PNA-FISH method and showing false positive results in BV diagnosis commonly obtained by the classical methods. This methodology combines the specificity of PNA probes for Lactobacillus species and G. vaginalis visualization and the calculation of the microscopic field by Nugent score, allowing a trustful evaluation of the bacteria present in vaginal microflora and avoiding the occurrence of misleading diagnostics. Therefore, the PNA-FISH methodology represents a valuable alternative for BV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Machado
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Tatiana Cereija
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
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Ojala T, Kankainen M, Castro J, Cerca N, Edelman S, Westerlund-Wikström B, Paulin L, Holm L, Auvinen P. Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus suggests novel mechanisms for the competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1070. [PMID: 25480015 PMCID: PMC4300991 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacillus crispatus is a ubiquitous micro-organism encountered in a wide range of host-associated habitats. It can be recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of animals and it is a common constituent of the vaginal microbiota of humans. Moreover, L. crispatus can contribute to the urogenital health of the host through competitive exclusion and the production of antimicrobial agents. In order to investigate the genetic diversity of this important urogenital species, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of L. crispatus. RESULTS Utilizing the completed genome sequence of a strain ST1 and the draft genome sequences of nine other L. crispatus isolates, we defined the scale and scope of the pan- and core genomic potential of L. crispatus. Our comparative analysis identified 1,224 and 2,705 ortholog groups present in all or only some of the ten strains, respectively. Based on mathematical modeling, sequencing of additional L. crispatus isolates would result in the identification of new genes and functions, whereas the conserved core of the ten strains was a good representation of the final L. crispatus core genome, estimated to level at about 1,116 ortholog groups. Importantly, the current core was observed to encode bacterial components potentially promoting urogenital health. Using antibody fragments specific for one of the conserved L. crispatus adhesins, we demonstrated that the L. crispatus core proteins have a potential to reduce the ability of Gardnerella vaginalis to adhere to epithelial cells. These findings thereby suggest that L. crispatus core proteins could protect the vagina from G. vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSIONS Our pan-genome analysis provides insights into the intraspecific genome variability and the collective molecular mechanisms of the species L. crispatus. Using this approach, we described the differences and similarities between the genomes and identified features likely to be important for urogenital health. Notably, the conserved genetic backbone of L. crispatus accounted for close to 60% of the ortholog groups of an average L. crispatus strain and included factors for the competitive exclusion of G. vaginalis, providing an explanation on how this urogenital species could improve vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teija Ojala
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 4, PO Box 56, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Machado A, Salgueiro D, Harwich M, Jefferson KK, Cerca N. Quantitative analysis of initial adhesion of bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes to ME-180 cells. Anaerobe 2013; 23:1-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Interactions between Lactobacillus crispatus and bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacterial species in initial attachment and biofilm formation. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:12004-12. [PMID: 23739678 PMCID: PMC3709769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140612004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain anaerobic bacterial species tend to predominate the vaginal flora during bacterial vaginosis (BV), with Gardnerella vaginalis being the most common. However, the exact role of G. vaginalis in BV has not yet been determined. The main goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that G. vaginalis is an early colonizer, paving the way for intermediate (e.g., Fusobacterium nucleatum) and late colonizers (e.g., Prevotella bivia). Theoretically, in order to function as an early colonizer, species would need to be able to adhere to vaginal epithelium, even in the presence of vaginal lactobacilli. Therefore, we quantified adherence of G. vaginalis and other BV-associated bacteria to an inert surface pre-coated with Lactobacillus crispatus using a new Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) methodology. We found that G. vaginalis had the greatest capacity to adhere in the presence of L. crispatus. Theoretically, an early colonizer would contribute to the adherence and/or growth of additional species, so we next quantified the effect of G. vaginalis biofilms on the adherence and growth of other BV-associated species by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technique. Interestingly, G. vaginalis derived a growth benefit from the addition of a second species, regardless of the species. Conversely, G. vaginalis biofilms enhanced the growth of P. bivia, and to a minor extent of F. nucleatum. These results contribute to our understanding of BV biofilm formation and the progression of the disorder.
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Castro J, Henriques A, Machado A, Henriques M, Jefferson KK, Cerca N. Reciprocal interference between Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis on initial adherence to epithelial cells. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10:1193-8. [PMID: 23935396 PMCID: PMC3739018 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of child-bearing age. It is widely accepted that the microbial switch from normal microflora to the flora commonly associated with BV is characterized by a decrease in vaginal colonization by specific Lactobacillus species together with an increase of G. vaginalis and other anaerobes. However, the order of events leading to the development of BV remains poorly characterized and it is unclear whether the decrease in lactobacilli is a cause or a consequence of the increase in the population density of anaerobes. Our goal was to characterize the interaction between two Gardnerella vaginalis strains, one of which was isolated from a healthy woman (strain 5-1) and the other from a woman diagnosed with BV (strain 101), and vaginal lactobacilli on the adherence to cervical epithelial cells. In order to simulate the transition from vaginal health to BV, the lactobacilli were cultured with the epithelial cells first, and then the G. vaginalis strain was introduced. We quantified the inhibition of G. vaginalis adherence by the lactobacilli and displacement of adherent lactobacilli by G. vaginalis. Our results confirmed that pathogenic G vaginalis 101 had a higher capacity for adhesion to the cervical epithelial cells than strain 5-1. Interestingly, strain 101 displaced L. crispatus but not L. iners whereas strain 5-1 had less of an effect and did not affect the two species differently. Furthermore, L. iners actually enhanced adhesion of strain 101 but not of strain 5-1. These results suggest that BV-causing G. vaginalis and L. iners do not interfere with one another, which may help to explain previous reports that women who are colonized with L. iners are more likely to develop BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Castro
- IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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