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Tuddenham S, Stennett CA, Cone RA, Ravel J, Macintyre AN, Ghanem KG, He X, Brotman RM. Vaginal cytokine profile and microbiota before and after lubricant use compared with condomless vaginal sex: a preliminary observational study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:973. [PMID: 34537015 PMCID: PMC8449901 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data suggest that personal lubricants may damage the vaginal mucosal epithelium, alter the vaginal microbiota, and increase inflammation. We compared vaginal cytokine profiles and microbiota before and after vaginal lubricant use and condomless vaginal sex. METHODS Reproductive-age women were recruited to a 10-week observational cohort study and were asked to self-collect vaginal samples and behavioral diaries daily. This nested case-control analysis utilized samples collected before and after self-reported condomless sexual activity with lubricants (22 case participants) and without lubricants (22 control participants). Controls were matched to cases on race/ethnicity. Microbiota composition was characterized by sequencing amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions. Cytokine concentrations were quantified using a magnetic bead 41-plex panel assay and read using a Bio-Plex 200 array reader. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess baseline differences in vaginal cytokines between cases and controls as well as differences pre- and post-exposure. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine differences in relative post-to-pre change in each individual cytokine between matched cases and controls. Similar analyses were conducted for the microbiota data. RESULTS Mean age was 29.8 years (SD 6.8), and 63.6% were African American. There were few statistically significant changes in cytokines or microbiota before and after exposure in cases or controls. In mixed-effects modeling, the mean relative post-to-pre change of cytokines was higher in cases vs. controls for macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) (p = 0.03). The microbiota data revealed no significant changes when measured by similarity scores, diversity indexes and descriptive community state types (CST) transition analyses. However, post sexual activity, the mean relative abundance of L. crispatus decreased for those who used lubricants (particularly those who were L. iners-dominated prior to exposure). CONCLUSIONS Although there were overall few differences in the vaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles of lubricant users and controls before and after condomless vaginal sex, there was a trend toward decreases in relative abundance of L. crispatus following use of lubricant. Future larger studies that take into account osmolarity and composition of lubricants may provide additional insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina A Stennett
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew N Macintyre
- Department of Medicine, Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xin He
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Novak J, Ravel J, Ma B, Ferreira CST, Tristão ADR, Silva MG, Marconi C. Characteristics associated with Lactobacillus iners-dominated vaginal microbiota. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:353-359. [PMID: 34497114 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The protective role of Lactobacillus iners in the vaginal microbiota has been questioned. Recent studies have shown that L. iners is the dominating taxon in a large subset of women worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical variables associated with L. iners-dominated community state type (CST) III in Brazilian women of reproductive age. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS This study leveraged microbiota compositional data generated by sequencing of the V3-V4 16S rRNA gene from vaginal samples collected from 442 participants enrolled in a previous cross-sectional study that included 609 women in five geographical regions of Brazil. A total of 167 (27.4%) participants were excluded from the current study as they did not present a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. Data on sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics of the study population were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Participants were assigned to two study groups: those with L. iners-dominated CST III (n=222) and those with three distinct CSTs (I, II or V) dominated by another Lactobacillus spp. (n=220). Logistic regression analysis using a stepwise method was performed to test association between CST III and participants' characteristics, considering their OR and 95% CIs. RESULTS Among the population characteristics assessed, L. iners-dominated CST III was independently associated with having two or more sexual partners (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.50 to 7.11) and microscopic detection of Candida sp. on vaginal smears (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.02 to 4.89). Other characteristics were inversely associated with CST III, including condom use (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.91), higher educational level (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91) and diet containing milk/dairy intake (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.90). CONCLUSION Unprotected sex practices, number of sexual partners and lower educational levels may be useful for identifying women with L. iners-dominated microbiota and its suboptimal protective properties. L. iners microbiota does not seem to provide optimal protection against Candida sp. colonisation, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Novak
- Department of Pathology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bing Ma
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Andrea da Rocha Tristão
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Guimaraes Silva
- Department of Pathology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marconi
- Department of Pathology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Medical School, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
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Vodstrcil LA, Muzny CA, Plummer EL, Sobel JD, Bradshaw CS. Bacterial vaginosis: drivers of recurrence and challenges and opportunities in partner treatment. BMC Med 2021; 19:194. [PMID: 34470644 PMCID: PMC8411528 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02077-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis to affect women globally, yet an unacceptably high proportion of women experience BV recurrence within 6 months of recommended antibiotic therapy. The low rate of sustained cure highlights our limited understanding of the pathogenesis of BV recurrence, which has been attributed to possible persistence and re-emergence of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) or a BV-associated biofilm following antimicrobials and/or reinfection occurring from sexual partners.There is a robust body of evidence to support the exchange of bacteria between partners during sexual activity, and while the hypothesis that women treated for BV are subsequently reinfected with BVAB following sex with an untreated sexual partner is not new, failure of past partner treatment trials has eroded confidence in this concept. If reinfection is a key driver of recurrence, current antimicrobial regimens directed to women alone are unlikely to achieve a high level of sustained cure, and the approach of partner treatment to reduce reinfection is justified. In this manuscript, we present the molecular and epidemiological evidence that underlies the hypothesis that BV is sexually transmitted, and summarise why research that continues to consider sexual partnerships is necessary. We also outline the significant barriers and challenges that we have identified while undertaking partner treatment studies, and we discuss the factors that impact on our ability to determine their effectiveness.Ultimately, the pathogenesis of BV recurrence is likely to be multifaceted and not attributable to a single mechanism in all women. If we are to achieve sustained cure for women, it is likely that combined and individualised approaches to eradicate BVAB, support an optimal vaginal microbiome, and prevent reinfection from partners will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Central Clinical School - Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Monash University, 580 Swanston St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Erica L Plummer
- Central Clinical School - Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Monash University, 580 Swanston St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School - Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Monash University, 580 Swanston St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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104
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Sturt AS, Webb EL, Himschoot L, Phiri CR, Mapani J, Mudenda M, Kjetland EF, Mweene T, Levecke B, van Dam GJ, Corstjens PLAM, Ayles H, Hayes RJ, van Lieshout L, Hansingo I, Francis SC, Cools P, Bustinduy AL. Association of Female Genital Schistosomiasis With the Cervicovaginal Microbiota and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Zambian Women. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab438. [PMID: 34557562 PMCID: PMC8454507 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cervicovaginal microbiota, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have not been well described in female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). METHODS Women (aged 18-31, sexually active, nonpregnant) were invited to participate at the final follow-up of the HPTN 071 (PopART) Population Cohort in January-August 2018. We measured key species of the cervicovaginal microbiota (Lactobacillus crispatus, L. iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Candida) and STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We evaluated associations of the microbiota and STI presence and concentration with FGS (qPCR-detected Schistosoma DNA in any of 3 genital specimens). RESULTS The presence and concentration of key cervicovaginal species did not differ between participants with (n = 30) or without FGS (n = 158). A higher proportion of participants with FGS had T. vaginalis compared with FGS-negative women (P = .08), with further analysis showing that T. vaginalis was more prevalent among women with ≥2 Schistosoma qPCR-positive genital specimens (50.0%, 8/16) than among FGS-negative women (21.5%, 34/158; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS We found weak evidence of an association between the presence of T. vaginalis and FGS, with a stronger association in women with a higher-burden FGS infection. Additional research is needed on potential between-parasite interactions, especially regarding HIV-1 vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Sturt
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily L Webb
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisa Himschoot
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Joyce Mapani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Maina Mudenda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Eyrun F Kjetland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Govert J van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul L A M Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Helen Ayles
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Richard J Hayes
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Isaiah Hansingo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Virology, Parasitology, and Immunology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Amaya L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Deese J, Heffron R, Jaspan H, Masson L, Smit JA, Sibeko S. Recent Advances and New Challenges in Cisgender Women's Gynecologic and Obstetric Health in the Context of HIV. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:475-490. [PMID: 34323229 PMCID: PMC8322601 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have declined globally over the past 10 years, United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates 1.7 million new infections occurred in 2019, with cisgender women (cis women) and girls accounting for 48%. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related illnesses are the leading global cause of mortality in cis women aged 15 to 49, and in many sub-Saharan Africa countries, young women face substantially higher HIV risk than their male counterparts. Drivers of this increased risk include sexual and reproductive health characteristics unique to cis women. This review discusses the role of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and pregnancy in HIV risk, and biomedical HIV prevention technologies available and in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Deese
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Heather Jaspan
- Departments of Global Health
- Pediatrics, University of Washington
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pathology
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Lindi Masson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban
| | - Sengeziwe Sibeko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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106
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Turpin R, Tuddenham S, He X, Klebanoff MA, Ghanem KG, Brotman RM. Bacterial Vaginosis and Behavioral Factors Associated With Incident Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in the Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S137-S144. [PMID: 34396403 PMCID: PMC8499701 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) leads to long-term reproductive consequences for cisgender women. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and behavioral factors may play a role in PID pathogenesis. We assessed associations between BV, behavioral factors, and incident PID. METHODS We analyzed participants (N = 2956) enrolled in the National Institutes of Health Longitudinal Study of Vaginal Flora, a cohort of nonpregnant cisgender women followed quarterly for 12 months. PID was defined by at least 1 of the following: cervical motion tenderness, uterine tenderness, or adnexal tenderness (160 cases). We tested associations between BV (measured using Nugent and Amsel criteria) and PID at the subsequent visit. Sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviors, and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), untreated at baseline and concurrent with BV, were covariates in Cox proportional hazards models. Adjusting for the few Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis cases did not alter results. RESULTS In multivariable modeling, Nugent-BV (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.05-2.21]), symptomatic Amsel-BV (aHR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.23-3.75]), and vaginal douching (aHR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.03-2.09]) were associated with incident PID. CONCLUSIONS BV was associated with incident PID in a large prospective cohort, controlling for behavioral factors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Larger studies on how BV, STIs, behaviors, and host responses interactively affect PID risk are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman Turpin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of
Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park,
College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan Tuddenham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,
USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of
Public Health, University of Maryland at College Park,
College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark A Klebanoff
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children’s
Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Khalil G Ghanem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,
USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University
of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore,
Maryland, USA,Institute for Genome Sciences, Department of Epidemiology
and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine,
Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Correspondence: Rebecca M. Brotman, PhD, MPH, Institute for Genome
Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, 670 W Baltimore St, Room 3175, Baltimore, MD 21201 ()
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107
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Munoz A, Hayward MR, Bloom SM, Rocafort M, Ngcapu S, Mafunda NA, Xu J, Xulu N, Dong M, Dong KL, Ismail N, Ndung’u T, Ghebremichael MS, Kwon DS. Modeling the temporal dynamics of cervicovaginal microbiota identifies targets that may promote reproductive health. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:163. [PMID: 34311774 PMCID: PMC8314590 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal bacterial communities composed of diverse anaerobes with low Lactobacillus abundance are associated with poor reproductive outcomes such as preterm birth, infertility, cervicitis, and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Women in sub-Saharan Africa have a higher prevalence of these high-risk bacterial communities when compared to Western populations. However, the transition of cervicovaginal communities between high- and low-risk community states over time is not well described in African populations. RESULTS We profiled the bacterial composition of 316 cervicovaginal swabs collected at 3-month intervals from 88 healthy young Black South African women with a median follow-up of 9 months per participant and developed a Markov-based model of transition dynamics that accurately predicted bacterial composition within a broader cross-sectional cohort. We found that Lactobacillus iners-dominant, but not Lactobacillus crispatus-dominant, communities have a high probability of transitioning to high-risk states. Simulating clinical interventions by manipulating the underlying transition probabilities, our model predicts that the population prevalence of low-risk microbial communities could most effectively be increased by manipulating the movement between L. iners- and L. crispatus-dominant communities. CONCLUSIONS The Markov model we present here indicates that L. iners-dominant communities have a high probability of transitioning to higher-risk states. We additionally identify transitions to target to increase the prevalence of L. crispatus-dominant communities. These findings may help guide future intervention strategies targeted at reducing bacteria-associated adverse reproductive outcomes among women living in sub-Saharan Africa. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Munoz
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Matthew R. Hayward
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Seth M. Bloom
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Muntsa Rocafort
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nomfuneko A. Mafunda
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Jiawu Xu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Nondumiso Xulu
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mary Dong
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Females Rising through Education, Support, and Health, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Krista L. Dong
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Females Rising through Education, Support, and Health, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Nasreen Ismail
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Musie S. Ghebremichael
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Douglas S. Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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108
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Berard AR, Miller C, Araínga M, Broedlow CA, Noël-Romas L, Schifanella L, Hensley-McBain T, Roederer A, Driscoll C, Coronado E, Manuzak J, McKinnon LR, Villinger FJ, Hope TJ, Burgener AD, Klatt NR. Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Susceptibility, Immunology, and Microbiome in the Female Genital Tract of Adolescent Versus Adult Pigtail Macaques. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:510-522. [PMID: 33446027 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In Sub-Saharan Africa, young women 15-24 years of age account for nearly 30% of all new HIV infections, however, biological and epidemiological factors underlying this disproportionate infection rate are unclear. In this study, we assessed biological contributors of SIV/HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract (FGT) using adolescent (n = 9) and adult (n = 10) pigtail macaques (PTMs) with weekly low-dose intravaginal challenges of SIV. Immunological variables were captured in vaginal tissue of PTMs by flow cytometry and cytokine assays. Vaginal biopsies were profiled by proteomic analysis. The vaginal microbiome was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. We were powered to detect a 2.2-fold increase in infection rates between age groups, however, we identified no significant differences in susceptibility. This model cannot capture epidemiological factors or may not best represent biological differences of HIV susceptibility. No immune cell subsets measured were significantly different between groups. Inflammatory marker MCP-1 was significantly higher (adj p = .02), and sCD40L trended higher (adj p = .06) in vaginal cytobrushes of adults. Proteomic analysis of vaginal biopsies showed no significant (adj p < .05) protein or pathway differences between groups. Vaginal microbiomes were not significantly different between groups. No differences were observed between age groups in this PTM model, however, these animals may not reflect biological factors contributing to HIV risk such as those found in their human counterparts. This model is therefore not appropriate to explore human adolescent differences in HIV risk. Young women remain a key population at risk for HIV infection, and there is still a need for comprehensive assessment and intervention strategies for epidemic control of this uniquely vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia R Berard
- University of Manitoba, 8664, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Charlene Miller
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, Pediatrics, Miami, Florida, United States
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Mariluz Araínga
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 4365, New Iberia Research Centre, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States
| | - Courtney Ann Broedlow
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, Pediatrics, Miami, Florida, United States
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Laura Noël-Romas
- University of Manitoba, 8664, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Luca Schifanella
- University of Minnesota System, 311816, Department of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Tiffany Hensley-McBain
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, Pediatrics, Miami, Florida, United States
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Alex Roederer
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Connor Driscoll
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, Pediatrics, Miami, Florida, United States
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Ernesto Coronado
- University of Washington, 7284, Pharmaceutics, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Jennifer Manuzak
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 12235, Pediatrics, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- University of Manitoba, 8664, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, 470329, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Francois J Villinger
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 4365, New Iberia Research Centre, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States
| | - Thomas J Hope
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 12244, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chicago, Illinois, United States,
| | - Adam D Burgener
- Case Western Reserve University, 2546, Center for Global Health and Disease, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- University of Manitoba, 8664, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Karolinska Institute, 27106, Department of Medicine Solna, Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- University of Minnesota System, 311816, Department of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
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Brown SE, Robinson CK, Shardell MD, Holm JB, Ravel J, Ghanem KG, Brotman RM. Assessing the Concordance Between Urogenital and Vaginal Microbiota: Can Urine Specimens Be Used as a Proxy for Vaginal Samples? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:671413. [PMID: 34268137 PMCID: PMC8276069 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.671413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The vaginal microbiota play a key role in defense against reproductive tract infections; however, many population-based women's health studies do not collect vaginal samples. Molecular examinations of urine samples have revealed common vaginal bacteria. We sought to assess the extent that community state type assignments of archived random-catch and clean-catch urine samples agreed with the paired vaginal samples in both reproductive-age and peri/post-menopausal women. Results Using archived samples, we evaluated the microbiota concordance among women in three studies: two with paired mid-vaginal/random-catch urine (N=91 reproductive-age participants and N=13 peri/post-menopausal participants), and one with paired mid-vaginal/clean-catch urine (N=99 reproductive-age participants). Microbiota composition was characterized by sequencing amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 regions and assigned to community state types. Similarity of paired samples was gauged using agreement of community state types and Yue-Clayton θ indices. Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes II indicated which taxa were differently relatively abundant in paired vaginal and urine samples. In reproductive-age women, random-catch and clean-catch urines were 89.0% and 86.9% concordant on five community state types with paired mid-vaginal swabs, and Kappa statistics indicated almost perfect agreement (κrandom-catch=.85, κclean-catch=.81, p<0.0001). A small number of pairs of samples were discordant (23/190, 12%), and discordant pairs tended to be between samples classified to L. iners-dominated and/or low-Lactobacillus states. Concordance and agreement remained similar when dichotomizing the microbiota to Lactobacillus-dominated versus low-Lactobacillus microbiota, as well as when evaluating separately the three subtypes of the low-Lactobacillus community state type IV. Median similarity of paired urine/vaginal samples was high (θrandom-catch=.85, θclean-catch=.88), and a comparison of the random-catch and clean-catch similarity scores showed no significant difference (p=.80). Concordance and similarity were lower for peri/post-menopausal women, but agreement remained substantial (76.9% concordant, κrandom-catch= 0.64, θrandom-catch=.62). Taxonomic-level analysis confirmed these findings. Conclusions Random-catch and clean-catch urine samples showed substantial agreement on bacterial composition to paired mid-vaginal samples, indicating that the genitourinary microbiota may be a reliable proxy for assessing the overall composition of the vaginal microbiota via community state types. This data suggests that urine samples can, with proper interpretation, be utilized as a surrogate for developing preliminary data and hypothesis-generating studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Brown
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Courtney K. Robinson
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michelle D. Shardell
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Johanna B. Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Khalil G. Ghanem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Rebecca M. Brotman,
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110
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Ayele H, Perner M, McKinnon LR, Birse K, Farr Zuend C, Burgener A. An updated review on the effects of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on the mucosal biology of the female genital tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13455. [PMID: 33991137 PMCID: PMC8459266 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is important for women’s health and essential to mitigate maternal and fetal mortality rates. The progestin‐based contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a popular contraceptive choice with a low failure rate and convenient administration schedule. Aim In this review, we compiled observational data from human cohorts that examine how DMPA influences the mucosal biology of the female genital tract (FGT) that are essential in maintaining vaginal health, including resident immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, epithelial barrier function, and the vaginal microbiome Materials and Methods This review focused on the recent published literature published in 2019 and 2020. Results Recent longitudinal studies show that DMPA use associates with an immunosuppressive phenotype, increase in CD4+CCR5+ T cells, and alterations to growth factors. In agreement with previous meta‐analyses, DMPA use is associated with minimal effects of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Cross‐sectional studies associate a more pro‐inflammatory relationship with DMPA, but these studies are confounded by inherent weaknesses of cross‐sectional studies, including differences in study group sizes, behaviors, and other variables that may affect genital inflammation. Discussion & Conclusion These recent results indicate that the interactions between DMPA and the vaginal mucosa are complex emphasizing the need for comprehensive longitudinal studies that take into consideration the measurement of multiple biological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossaena Ayele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Perner
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam Burgener
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Solna, Sweden
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111
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Rizzo AE, Gordon JC, Berard AR, Burgener AD, Avril S. The Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome-Implications for Gynecologic Cancers and Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2021; 11:546. [PMID: 34208337 PMCID: PMC8231212 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial colonization of the lower female reproductive tract has been extensively studied over the past few decades. In contrast, the upper female reproductive tract including the uterine cavity and peritoneum where the ovaries and fallopian tubes reside were traditionally assumed to be sterile under non-pathologic conditions. However, recent studies applying next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene have provided convincing evidence for the existence of an upper female reproductive tract microbiome. While the vaginal microbiome and its importance for reproductive health outcomes has been extensively studied, the microbiome of the upper female reproductive tract and its relevance for gynecologic cancers has been less studied and will be the focus of this article. This targeted review summarizes the pertinent literature on the female reproductive tract microbiome in gynecologic malignancies and its anticipated role in future research and clinical applications in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E. Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Jennifer C. Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Alicia R. Berard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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112
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Gustin A, Cromarty R, Schifanella L, Klatt NR. Microbial mismanagement: how inadequate treatments for vaginal dysbiosis drive the HIV epidemic in women. Semin Immunol 2021; 51:101482. [PMID: 34120819 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Women and girls represent a key population driving new HIV infections and persistence of the HIV pandemic. A key determinant of HIV susceptibility is the composition of the vaginal microbiome, which can influence the local immune cell population, inflammation status, and HIV prevention drug levels. While a low-diversity composition dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with a decreased risk of HIV acquisition, high diversity environments associated with bacterial vaginosis increase risk of HIV. Given the important role of the vaginal microbiome in determining HIV susceptibility, altering the microbiome towards a Lactobacillus-dominated state is an attractive complementary strategy to reduce HIV incidence rates. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which the vaginal microbiome may contribute to HIV acquisition risk. Furthermore, we address the advantages and limitations of historical treatments and emerging technologies under investigation to modify the vaginal microbiome, including: antibiotics, bacteriophages, probiotics, topicals, and engineered bacteria. By addressing the current state of vaginal microbiome knowledge and strategies for manipulation, we hope to amplify the growing calls for increased resources and research into vaginal microbial health, which will be essential to accelerating preventative efforts amongst the world's most vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gustin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Luca Schifanella
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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113
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Carson L, Merkatz R, Martinelli E, Boyd P, Variano B, Sallent T, Malcolm RK. The Vaginal Microbiota, Bacterial Biofilms and Polymeric Drug-Releasing Vaginal Rings. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050751. [PMID: 34069590 PMCID: PMC8161251 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity and dynamics of the microbial species populating the human vagina are increasingly understood to play a pivotal role in vaginal health. However, our knowledge about the potential interactions between the vaginal microbiota and vaginally administered drug delivery systems is still rather limited. Several drug-releasing vaginal ring products are currently marketed for hormonal contraception and estrogen replacement therapy, and many others are in preclinical and clinical development for these and other clinical indications. As with all implantable polymeric devices, drug-releasing vaginal rings are subject to surface bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, mostly associated with endogenous microorganisms present in the vagina. Despite more than 50 years since the vaginal ring concept was first described, there has been only limited study and reporting around bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on rings. With increasing interest in the vaginal microbiome and vaginal ring technology, this timely review article provides an overview of: (i) the vaginal microbiota, (ii) biofilm formation in the human vagina and its potential role in vaginal dysbiosis, (iii) mechanistic aspects of biofilm formation on polymeric surfaces, (iv) polymeric materials used in the manufacture of vaginal rings, (v) surface morphology characteristics of rings, (vi) biomass accumulation and biofilm formation on vaginal rings, and (vii) regulatory considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Carson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Ruth Merkatz
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Elena Martinelli
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Peter Boyd
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Bruce Variano
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Teresa Sallent
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA; (R.M.); (E.M.); (B.V.); (T.S.)
| | - Robert Karl Malcolm
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (L.C.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
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114
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O’Hanlon DE, Brown SE, He X, Stennett CA, Robbins SJ, Johnston ED, Wnorowski AM, Mark K, Ravel J, Cone RA, Brotman RM. Observational cohort study of the effect of a single lubricant exposure during transvaginal ultrasound on cell-shedding from the vaginal epithelium. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250153. [PMID: 33939727 PMCID: PMC8092793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer layers of the vaginal epithelium (VE) are important because they accumulate glycogen which, under optimal conditions, Lactobacillus spp. consume to grow and acidify the vaginal microenvironment with lactic acid. We hypothesized that exposure to lubricant, for example in the conduct of a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), may contribute to the shedding of mature epithelial cells, exposing immature cells. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was sampled at four time points by menstrual cup (Softdisc™) from 50 women referred for TVUS, during which a controlled volume of lubricant was applied to the TVUS wand. Samples were collected (1) immediately before TVUS and (2) 6-12 hours, (3) within one week, and (4) two weeks after TVUS. Clinical vaginal lubricants are similar to commercial lubricants, and often have a high osmolality or pH, and contain bactericides such as methylparaben and propylparaben. The number and maturity of epithelial cells in each CVF sample were measured by quantitative and differential fluorimetry (maturity index, MI). Comparisons of cell-counts and maturity were made by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among women with a high pre-TVUS MI (> 3), there was a decrease in median cell-count and mean MI in the sample collected 6-12 hours after TVUS (p<0.001, n = 26 and p < 0.001, n = 26, respectively). For these women, cell-count and MI remained lower in the sample collected within the subsequent week (p<0.001, n = 29 and p<0.01, n = 29, respectively), and MI remained lower in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS (p<0.01, n = 25), compared to the pre-TVUS sample. Among participants with a low pre-TVUS MI (< 3), cell-count was higher in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS compared to the pre-TVUS sample (p = 0.03, n = 15), but no significant changes in MI were observed. Results were similar when restricted to reproductive-age women. This preliminary data indicates hypertonic vaginal lubricants may increase vaginal epithelial cell shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Elizabeth O’Hanlon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Brown
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Stennett
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah J. Robbins
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Johnston
- Faculty Physicians Inc., University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Amelia M. Wnorowski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Katrina Mark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Cone
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rebecca M. Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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115
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Borgogna JLC, Shardell MD, Grace SG, Santori EK, Americus B, Li Z, Ulanov A, Forney L, Nelson TM, Brotman RM, Ravel J, Yeoman CJ. Biogenic Amines Increase the Odds of Bacterial Vaginosis and Affect the Growth of and Lactic Acid Production by Vaginal Lactobacillus spp. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e03068-20. [PMID: 33674429 PMCID: PMC8117770 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03068-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder of reproductive-aged women, yet its etiology remains enigmatic. One clinical symptom of BV, malodor, is linked to the microbial production of biogenic amines (BA). Using targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we analyzed 149 longitudinally collected vaginal samples to determine the in vivo concentrations of the most common BAs and then assessed their relationship to BV and effect upon the growth kinetics of axenically cultured vaginal Lactobacillus species. Increases in cadaverine, putrescine, and tyramine were associated with greater odds of women transitioning from L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota to microbiota that have a paucity of Lactobacillus spp. and from Nugent scores of 0 to 3 to Nugent scores of 7 to 10, consistent with BV. Exposure to putrescine lengthened the lag time and/or slowed the growth of all vaginal Lactobacillus spp. except L. jensenii 62G. L. iners AB107's lag time was lengthened by cadaverine but reduced in the presence of spermidine and spermine. The growth rate of L. crispatus VPI 3199 was slowed by cadaverine and tyramine, and strain-specific responses to spermine and spermidine were observed. BAs were associated with reduced production of d- and l-lactic acid by vaginal Lactobacillus spp., and this effect was independent of their effect upon Lactobacillus species growth. The exceptions were higher levels of d- and l-lactic acid by two strains of L. crispatus when grown in the presence of spermine. Results of this study provide evidence of a direct impact of common biogenic amines on vaginal Lactobacillus spp.IMPORTANCELactobacillus spp. are credited with providing the primary defense against gynecological conditions, including BV, most notably through the acidification of the vaginal microenvironment, which results from their production of lactic acid. The microbial production of BAs has been hypothesized to play a mechanistic role in diminishing Lactobacillus species-mediated protection, enabling the colonization and outgrowth of diverse anaerobic bacterial species associated with BV. Here, we demonstrate that in vivo increases in the most commonly observed BAs are associated with a loss of Lactobacillus spp. and the development of BV, measured by Nugent score. Further, we show that BAs formed by amino acid decarboxylase enzymes negatively affect the growth of type strains of the most common vaginal Lactobacillus spp. and separately alter their production of lactic acid. These results suggest that BAs destabilize vaginal Lactobacillus spp. and play an important and direct role in diminishing their protection of the vaginal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna-Lynn C Borgogna
- Department of Animal & Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Michelle D Shardell
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Savannah G Grace
- Department of Animal & Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Elisa K Santori
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Benjamin Americus
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Zhong Li
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander Ulanov
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Larry Forney
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Tiffanie M Nelson
- Department of Animal & Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carl J Yeoman
- Department of Animal & Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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116
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Dabee S, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. The Complex Link between the Female Genital Microbiota, Genital Infections, and Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00487-20. [PMID: 33558324 PMCID: PMC8091093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00487-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract microbiota is part of a complex ecosystem influenced by several physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors. It is uniquely linked to a woman's mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. A vaginal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of lactobacilli and low overall bacterial diversity is associated with lower inflammation. On the other hand, a more diverse microbiota is linked to high mucosal inflammation levels, a compromised genital epithelial barrier, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other conditions. Several bacterial taxa such as Gardnerella spp., Prevotella spp., Sneathia spp., and Atopobium spp. are well known to have adverse effects; however, the definitive cause of this microbial dysbiosis is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the multiple ways in which the microbiota influences the overall genital inflammatory milieu and to explore the causes and consequences of this inflammatory response. While there is abundant evidence linking a diverse genital microbiota to elevated inflammation, understanding the risk factors and mechanisms through which it affects genital health is essential. A robust appreciation of these factors is important for identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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117
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Mott PD, Taylor CM, Lillis RA, Ardizzone CM, Albritton HL, Luo M, Calabresi KG, Martin DH, Myers L, Quayle AJ. Differences in the Genital Microbiota in Women Who Naturally Clear Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Compared to Women Who Do Not Clear; A Pilot Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:615770. [PMID: 33912473 PMCID: PMC8072278 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.615770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro studies indicate IFNγ is central to Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) eradication, but its function may be compromised by anaerobes typically associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a frequent co-morbidity in women with Ct. Here we investigated the associations between natural clearance of cervical Ct infection, the vaginal microbiome, and the requirements for IFNγ by evaluating the vaginal microbial and cytokine composition of Ct treatment visit samples from women who cleared Ct infection in the interim between their Ct screening and Ct treatment visit. The pilot cohort was young, predominantly African American, and characterized by a high rate of BV that was treated with metronidazole at the Ct screening visit. The rate of natural Ct clearance was 23.6% by the Ct treatment visit (median 9 days). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that metronidazole-treated women who had a Lactobacillus spp.-dominant vaginal microbiota (CST 2 or 3) at the Ct treatment visit, were more prevalent in the Ct clearing population than the non-clearing population (86% v. 50%). L. iners (CST2) was the major Lactobacillus spp. present in Ct clearers, and 33% still remained anaerobe-dominant (CST1). Vaginal IFNγ levels were not significantly different in Ct clearers and non-clearers and were several logs lower than that required for killing Ct in vitro. An expanded panel of IFNγ-induced and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines also did not reveal differences between Ct clearers and non-clearers, but, rather, suggested signatures better associated with specific CSTs. Taken together, these findings suggest that BV-associated bacteria may impede Ct clearance, but a Lactobacillus spp.-dominant microbiome is not an absolute requirement to clear. Further, IFNγ may be required at lower concentrations than in vitro modeling indicates, suggesting it may act together with other factors in vivo. Data also revealed that the vaginal bacteria-driven inflammation add complexity to the genital cytokine milieu, but changes in this microbiota may contribute to, or provide cytokine biomarkers, for a shift to Ct clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Dehon Mott
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Lillis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Caleb M. Ardizzone
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Hannah L. Albritton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn G. Calabresi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - David H. Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Leann Myers
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Alison J. Quayle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Rodriguez-Garcia M, Connors K, Ghosh M. HIV Pathogenesis in the Human Female Reproductive Tract. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:139-156. [PMID: 33721260 PMCID: PMC9273024 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Women remain disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The primary mechanism for HIV acquisition in women is sexual transmission, yet the immunobiological factors that contribute to HIV susceptibility remain poorly characterized. Here, we review current knowledge on HIV pathogenesis in women, focusing on infection and immune responses in the female reproductive tract (FRT). RECENT FINDINGS We describe recent findings on innate immune protection and HIV target cell distribution in the FRT. We also review multiple factors that modify susceptibility to infection, including sex hormones, microbiome, trauma, and how HIV risk changes during women's life cycle. Finally, we review current strategies for HIV prevention and identify barriers for research in HIV infection and pathogenesis in women. A complex network of interrelated biological and sociocultural factors contributes to HIV risk in women and impairs prevention and cure strategies. Understanding how HIV establishes infection in the FRT can provide clues to develop novel interventions to prevent HIV acquisition in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Kaleigh Connors
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Mimi Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health and Health Services, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
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Sobel JD, Sobel R. Current and emerging pharmacotherapy for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1593-1600. [PMID: 33750246 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1904890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the frequency of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV), enhancing treatment and preventing recurrence have become the central target of pharmacotherapy today. Antimicrobial failure is occurring at a time when knowledge of pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and RBV is incomplete, limiting rational treatment modification. AREAS COVERED The current manuscript reviews pathogenesis of RBV and the performance of available antimicrobials as well as attempts employed to enhance activity and pharmacologic strategies to reduce BV recurrence and refractory vaginal disease. The authors also provide their expert perspectives on the subject area, including their outlook for the future. EXPERT OPINION In the face of an empty pipeline of new antibiotics, strategies have emerged to enhance existing antibiotic efficacy, which include modifying drug dose, treatment duration, long-term prophylactic regimens, and use of biofilm disrupting agents. It is likely that future effective therapy will include several simultaneous and consecutive treatment components, including combinations of antibiotics, antibiofilm agents, and probiotics. Measures to prevent sexual transmission and reinfection are also essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Sobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, United States
| | - Ryan Sobel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, United States
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Blondin-Ladrie L, Aranguren M, Doyon-Laliberté K, Poudrier J, Roger M. The Importance of Regulation in Natural Immunity to HIV. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030271. [PMID: 33803543 PMCID: PMC8003059 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, most Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are acquired through heterosexual intercourse, and in sub-Saharan Africa, 59% of new HIV infections affect women. Vaccines and microbicides hold promise for preventing the acquisition of HIV. To this end, the study of HIV highly exposed seronegative (HESN) female commercial sex workers (CSWs), who constitute a model of natural immunity to HIV, provides an exceptional opportunity to determine important clues for the development of preventive strategies. Studies using both female genital tract (FGT) and peripheral blood samples of HESN CSWs, have allowed identifying distinct features, notably low-inflammatory patterns associated with resistance to infection. How this seemingly regulated response is achieved at the initial site of HIV infection remains unknown. One hypothesis is that populations presenting regulatory profiles contribute to the orchestration of potent anti-viral and low-inflammatory responses at the initial site of HIV transmission. Here, we view to update our knowledge regarding this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Blondin-Ladrie
- Axe Immunopathologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada; (L.B.-L.); (M.A.); (K.D.-L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie de l‘Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C3J7, Canada
| | - Matheus Aranguren
- Axe Immunopathologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada; (L.B.-L.); (M.A.); (K.D.-L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie de l‘Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C3J7, Canada
| | - Kim Doyon-Laliberté
- Axe Immunopathologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada; (L.B.-L.); (M.A.); (K.D.-L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie de l‘Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C3J7, Canada
| | - Johanne Poudrier
- Axe Immunopathologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada; (L.B.-L.); (M.A.); (K.D.-L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie de l‘Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C3J7, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Michel Roger
- Axe Immunopathologie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC H2X0A9, Canada; (L.B.-L.); (M.A.); (K.D.-L.)
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie de l‘Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C3J7, Canada
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montréal, QC H2P1E2, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (M.R.)
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Sex Work Is Associated With Increased Vaginal Microbiome Diversity in Young Women From Mombasa, Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:79-87. [PMID: 32433252 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although nonoptimal vaginal bacteria and inflammation have been associated with increased HIV risk, the upstream drivers of these phenotypes are poorly defined in young African women. SETTING Mombasa, Kenya. METHODS We characterized vaginal microbiome and cytokine profiles of sexually active young women aged 14-24 years (n = 168) in 3 study groups: those engaging in formal sex work, in transactional sex, and nonsex workers. Vaginal secretions were collected using self-inserted SoftCup, and assayed for cytokines and vaginal microbiome through multiplex ELISA and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively. Epidemiological data were captured using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS The median age of participants was 20 years (interquartile range: 18-22 years). Approximately two-thirds of young women (105/168) had vaginal microbial communities characterized by Gardnerella and/or Prevotella spp. dominance; a further 29% (49/168) were predominantly Lactobacillus iners. Microbiome clustering explained a large proportion of cytokine variation (>50% by the first 2 principal components). Age was not associated with vaginal microbial profiles in bivariable or multivariable analyses. Women self-identifying as sex workers had increased alpha (intraindividual) diversity, independent of age, recent sexual activity, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (beta = 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.90, P = 0.03). Recent sex (number of partners or sex acts last week, time since last vaginal sex) correlated with increased alpha diversity, particularly in participants who were not involved in sex work. CONCLUSION Nonoptimal vaginal microbiomes were common in young Kenyan women and associated with sex work and recent sexual activity, but independent of age. Restoring optimal vaginal microflora may represent a useful HIV prevention strategy.
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Vieira-Baptista P, Silva AR, Costa M, Aguiar T, Saldanha C, Sousa C. Clinical validation of a new molecular test (Seegene Allplex™ Vaginitis) for the diagnosis of vaginitis: a cross-sectional study. BJOG 2021; 128:1344-1352. [PMID: 33540484 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate the use of Seegene Allplex™ Vaginitis assay in the diagnosis of candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis. DESIGN Cross-sectional, prospective study conducted in a single centre. SETTING Outpatient clinic of a gynaecology department. POPULATION Consecutive symptomatic and asymptomatic women (18-60 years of age). METHODS Comparison of the assay test with the reference standards for the diagnosis of vaginitis (cultures for yeasts, Nugent for BV and nucleic acid amplification test for trichomoniasis). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Performance of the investigational assay, in comparison with the reference standards for the diagnosis of the presence of Candida spp., Trichomonas vaginalis and BV. Secondary objectives are the evaluation of the performance of the test in postmenopausal women and in symptomatic women. RESULTS A diagnosis of vaginitis was established in 14.0%. The global prevalences of BV, Candida spp. and T. vaginalis were 22.3%, 13.2% and 2.4%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay test for those three causes of vaginitis were as follows: BV 91.7% and 86.6%; any Candida spp. 91.1% and 95.6%; Candida albicans 88.1% and 98.2%, non-albicans Candida 100% and 97.5%, and T. vaginalis 94.4 and 99.9%. The performance of the test was identical in the subgroup of women that reported vulvovaginal symptoms. The presence of multiple infections did not interfere with the performance of the test. CONCLUSIONS The Seegene Allplex™ Vaginitis assay has an excellent performance in the diagnosis of the BV and presence of Candida; the results were good for trichomoniasis, but the study was underpowered for this outcome. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Seegene Allplex™ Vaginitis is an excellent option for screening and diagnosis of vaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Lower Genital Tract Unit, Gynaecology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - A R Silva
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Costa
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - T Aguiar
- Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - C Sousa
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
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Tuddenham S, Ravel J, Marrazzo JM. Protection and Risk: Male and Female Genital Microbiota and Sexually Transmitted Infections. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:S222-S235. [PMID: 33576776 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unique compositional and functional features of the cervicovaginal microbiota have been associated with protection against and risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). In men, our knowledge of the interaction between the penile microbiota and STI is less developed. The current state of our understanding of these microbiota and their role in select STIs is briefly reviewed, along with strategies that leverage existing findings to manipulate genital microbiota and optimize protection against STIs. Finally, we focus on major research gaps and present a framework for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tuddenham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Lactic acid-containing products for bacterial vaginosis and their impact on the vaginal microbiota: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246953. [PMID: 33571286 PMCID: PMC7877752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The vaginal microbiota in bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically has low abundance of lactic acid producing lactobacilli. Lactic acid has properties that may make it effective for treating BV and/or restoring an optimal lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota. We conducted a systematic review to describe the effect of intravaginal lactic acid-containing products on BV cure, and their impact on vaginal microbiota composition (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018115982). Methods PubMed, Embase and OVID were searched from inception to November 2019 to identify eligible studies. Included studies evaluated an intravaginal lactic acid-containing product and reported BV cure using established diagnostic methods, and/or vaginal microbiota composition using molecular methods. Studies were independently screened and assessed, and the proportion of women cured post-treatment was calculated. Study results were described in a qualitative manner. Results We identified 1,883 articles and assessed 57 full-texts for eligibility. Seven different lactic acid-containing products were evaluated and differed with respect to excipients, lactic acid concentration and pH. Most studies had medium or high risk of bias. Three trials compared the efficacy of a lactic acid-containing product to metronidazole for BV cure. One study found lactic acid to be equivalent to metronidazole and two studies found lactic acid to be significantly inferior to metronidazole. Two studies included a control group receiving a placebo or no treatment. One reported lactic acid to be superior than no treatment and the other reported lactic acid to be equivalent to placebo. Lactic acid-containing products did not significantly impact the vaginal microbiota composition. Conclusion There is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the use of lactic acid-containing products for BV cure or vaginal microbiota modulation. However, adequately powered and rigorous randomised trials with accompanying vaginal microbiota data are needed to evaluate the efficacy of lactic acid as a BV treatment strategy.
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Bruxelle JF, Trattnig N, Mureithi MW, Landais E, Pantophlet R. HIV-1 Entry and Prospects for Protecting against Infection. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020228. [PMID: 33499233 PMCID: PMC7911371 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1) establishes a latent viral reservoir soon after infection, which poses a major challenge for drug treatment and curative strategies. Many efforts are therefore focused on blocking infection. To this end, both viral and host factors relevant to the onset of infection need to be considered. Given that HIV-1 is most often transmitted mucosally, strategies designed to protect against infection need to be effective at mucosal portals of entry. These strategies need to contend also with cell-free and cell-associated transmitted/founder (T/F) virus forms; both can initiate and establish infection. This review will discuss how insight from the current model of HIV-1 mucosal transmission and cell entry has highlighted challenges in developing effective strategies to prevent infection. First, we examine key viral and host factors that play a role in transmission and infection. We then discuss preventive strategies based on antibody-mediated protection, with emphasis on targeting T/F viruses and mucosal immunity. Lastly, we review treatment strategies targeting viral entry, with focus on the most clinically advanced entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Bruxelle
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.-F.B.); (R.P.)
| | - Nino Trattnig
- Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Marianne W. Mureithi
- KAVI—Institute of Clinical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box, Nairobi 19676–00202, Kenya;
| | - Elise Landais
- IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ralph Pantophlet
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.-F.B.); (R.P.)
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Deep Gene Sequence Cluster Analyses of Multi-Virus-Infected Mucosal Tissue Reveal Enhanced Transmission of Acute HIV-1. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01737-20. [PMID: 33177204 PMCID: PMC7925087 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01737-20] [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: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During heterosexual HIV-1 transmission, a genetic bottleneck occurs in the newly infected individual as the virus passes from the mucosa, leading to systemic infection with a single transmitted HIV-1 clone in the recipient. This bottleneck in the recipient has just been described, and the mechanisms involved in this selection process have not been elucidated. Exposure of the genital mucosa to a genetically diverse viral swarm from the donor HIV-1 can result in breakthrough and systemic infection by a single transmitted/founder (TF) virus in the recipient. The highly diverse HIV-1 envelope (Env) in this inoculating viral swarm may have a critical role in transmission and subsequent immune response. Thus, chronic (Envchronic) and acute (Envacute) Env chimeric HIV-1 were tested using multivirus competition assays in human mucosal penile and cervical tissues. Viral competition analysis revealed that Envchronic viruses resided and replicated mainly in the tissue, while Envacute viruses penetrated the human tissue and established infection of CD4+ T cells more efficiently. Analysis of the replication fitness, as tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), showed similar replication fitness of Envacute and Envchronic viruses, which did not correlate with transmission fitness in penile tissue. Further, we observed that chimeric Env viruses with higher replication in genital mucosal tissue (chronic Env viruses) had higher binding affinity to C-type lectins. Data presented herein suggest that the inoculating HIV-1 may be sequestered in the genital mucosal tissue (represented by chronic Env HIV-1) but that a single HIV-1 clone (e.g., acute Env HIV-1) can escape this trapped replication for systemic infection. IMPORTANCE During heterosexual HIV-1 transmission, a genetic bottleneck occurs in the newly infected individual as the virus passes from the mucosa, leading to systemic infection with a single transmitted HIV-1 clone in the recipient. This bottleneck in the recipient has just been described (K. Klein et al., PLoS Pathog 14:e1006754, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1006754), and the mechanisms involved in this selection process have not been elucidated. However, understanding mucosal restriction is of the utmost importance for understanding dynamics of infections and for designing focused vaccines. Using our human penile and cervical mucosal tissue models for mixed HIV infections, we provide evidence that HIV-1 from acute/early infection, compared to that from chronic infection, can more efficiently traverse the mucosal epithelium and be transmitted to T cells, suggesting higher transmission fitness. This study focused on the role of the HIV-1 envelope in transmission and provides strong evidence that HIV transmission may involve breaking the mucosal lectin trap.
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Daubert E, Weber KM, French AL, Seidman D, Michel K, Gustafson D, Murphy K, Muzny CA, Alcaide M, Sheth A, Adimora AA, Spear GT. Obesity is associated with lower bacterial vaginosis prevalence in menopausal but not pre-menopausal women in a retrospective analysis of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248136. [PMID: 33684141 PMCID: PMC7939367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota is known to impact women's health, but the biological factors that influence the composition of the microbiota are not fully understood. We previously observed that levels of glycogen in the lumen of the vagina were higher in women that had a high body mass index (BMI). Vaginal glycogen is thought to impact the composition of the vaginal microbiota. We therefore sought to determine if BMI was associated having or not having bacterial vaginosis (BV), as determined by the Amsel criteria. We also hypothesized that increased blood glucose levels could lead to the previously-observed higher vaginal glycogen levels and therefore investigated if hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with BV. We analyzed data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study using multiple multivariable (GEE) logistic regression models to assess the relationship between BMI, BV and blood glucose. Women with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese) had a lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.87 (0.79-0.97), p = 0.009) of BV compared to the reference group (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). There was a significantly lower rate of BV in post-menopausal obese women compared to the post-menopausal reference group, but not in pre-menopausal women. HIV- post-menopausal obese women had a significantly lower rate of BV, but this was not seen in HIV+ post-menopausal obese women. Pre-menopausal women with a higher hemoglobin A1c (≥6.5%) had a significantly lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.66 (0.49-0.91), p = 0.010) of BV compared to pre-menopausal women with normal hemoglobin A1c levels (<5.7%), but there was no difference in post-menopausal women. This study shows an inverse association of BMI with BV in post-menopausal women and hemoglobin A1c with BV in pre-menopausal women. Further studies are needed to confirm these relationships in other cohorts across different reproductive stages and to identify underlying mechanisms for these observed associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Daubert
- Cook County Health/Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Weber
- Cook County Health/Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Audrey L. French
- Department of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Dominika Seidman
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Michel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Deborah Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Kerry Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore at AECOM, Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Maria Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anandi Sheth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Gregory T. Spear
- Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Noël-Romas L, Perner M, Molatlhegi R, Farr Zuend C, Mabhula A, Hoger S, Lamont A, Birse K, Berard A, McCorrister S, Westmacott G, Leslie A, Poliquin V, Heffron R, McKinnon LR, Burgener AD. Vaginal microbiome-hormonal contraceptive interactions associate with the mucosal proteome and HIV acquisition. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009097. [PMID: 33362285 PMCID: PMC7790405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract, such as genital inflammation, have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As the microbiome and hormonal contraceptives can affect vaginal mucosal immunity, we hypothesized these components may interact in the context of HIV susceptibility. Using previously published microbiome data from 685 women in the CAPRISA-004 trial, we compared relative risk of HIV acquisition in this cohort who were using injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In women who were Lactobacillus-dominant, HIV acquisition was 3-fold higher in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN or COC (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.24–11.24, P = 0.0305). This was not observed in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.44–2.15, P = 0.895) (interaction P = 0.0686). Higher serum MPA levels associated with increased molecular pathways of inflammation in the vaginal mucosal fluid of Lactobacillus-dominant women, but no differences were seen in non-Lactobacillus dominant women. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility. Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As both the vaginal microbiome and hormonal contraceptives affect mucosal immunity, we investigated their interaction with HIV susceptibility. We characterized the vaginal microbiomes in 685 women from the CAPRISA-004 trial, who utilized three major types of hormonal contraceptives including injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In the 40% of women with Lactobacillus-depleted microbiomes, HIV acquisition was not different between contraceptive groups. However, in the 60% of women with Lactobacillus as the dominant bacterial taxa, HIV acquisition risk was 3-fold higher (in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN and COC). Higher serum medroxyprogesterone acetate levels in Lactobacillus dominant women associated with increased cervicovaginal inflammation pathways in the mucosal proteome, biomarkers of which associated with HIV susceptibility. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Noël-Romas
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michelle Perner
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah Hoger
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alana Lamont
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alicia Berard
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Stuart McCorrister
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Garett Westmacott
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Al Leslie
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Poliquin
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Adam D. Burgener
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Cheu RK, Gustin AT, Lee C, Schifanella L, Miller CJ, Ha A, Kim C, Rodriguez VJ, Fischl M, Burgener AD, Arnold KB, Alcaide ML, Klatt NR. Impact of vaginal microbiome communities on HIV antiretroviral-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug metabolism. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009024. [PMID: 33270801 PMCID: PMC7714160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the efficacy of antiretroviral-based pre-exposure prophylactics (PrEP) in men who have sex with men, studies in women have produced widely varying outcomes. Recent evidence demonstrates that vaginal microbial communities are associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and may impact PrEP efficacy. Here, we investigate the mechanisms underlying how vaginal bacteria alter PrEP drug levels and impact HIV infection rates ex vivo. Using cervicovaginal lavages (CVLs) from women with or without bacterial vaginosis (BV), we identified microbial metabolism of PrEP drugs in BV samples through LC-MS/MS analysis of soluble drug levels and metabolite formation in dual T-cell cultures. CVL samples were assessed for microbiome analysis using sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. We also observed non-Lactobacillus bacteria that are associated with BV may potentially impact PrEP efficacy through increased HIV infection rates in co-cultures containing Lactobacillus or BV bacteria, PrEP drugs, CEM-GFP cells, and HIV-1LAI virus. Finally, we used these data to develop a novel predictive mathematical simulation modeling system to predict these drug interactions for future trials. These studies demonstrate how dysbiotic vaginal microbiota may impact PrEP drugs and provides evidence linking vaginal bacteria to PrEP efficacy in women. HIV prevention strategies with antiretroviral drugs as pre-exposure prophylactics (PrEP) are not efficacious in women, in part due to biological factors such as the vaginal microbiome. Lactobacillus spp. prevent the colonization of dysbiotic bacteria (i.e. bacterial vaginosis), which is associated with increased HIV transmission. However, the role these microbes play in altering the pharmacokinetics of PrEP drugs is currently unknown. Here we show that primary bacteria from women with dysbiosis impact PrEP drug levels and kinetics. We found that dysbiotic microbes metabolize PrEP drugs faster than target cell uptake, and significantly alter HIV infection rates in vitro, and this can be predicted with novel computational modeling. Our results demonstrate that the vaginal microbiome may play a key role in HIV prevention through altering therapeutic drug levels via metabolism. Thus, better measurements and interventions for vaginal dysbiosis will be critical in improving the efficacy of HIV prevention efforts in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K. Cheu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Gustin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Christina Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Luca Schifanella
- Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Charlene J. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Avie Ha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Casey Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Violeta J. Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Margaret Fischl
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Disease, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kelly B. Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Maria L. Alcaide
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nichole R. Klatt
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Surgical Outcomes and Precision Medicine Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lee CY, Cheu RK, Lemke MM, Gustin AT, France MT, Hampel B, Thurman AR, Doncel GF, Ravel J, Klatt NR, Arnold KB. Quantitative modeling predicts mechanistic links between pre-treatment microbiome composition and metronidazole efficacy in bacterial vaginosis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6147. [PMID: 33262350 PMCID: PMC7708644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition associated with adverse reproductive outcomes and characterized by a shift from a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota to a polymicrobial microbiota, consistently colonized by strains of Gardnerella vaginalis. Metronidazole is the first-line treatment; however, treatment failure and recurrence rates remain high. To understand complex interactions between Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus involved in efficacy, here we develop an ordinary differential equation model that predicts bacterial growth as a function of metronidazole uptake, sensitivity, and metabolism. The model shows that a critical factor in efficacy is Lactobacillus sequestration of metronidazole, and efficacy decreases when the relative abundance of Lactobacillus is higher pre-treatment. We validate results in Gardnerella and Lactobacillus co-cultures, and in two clinical cohorts, finding women with recurrence have significantly higher pre-treatment levels of Lactobacillus relative to bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria. Overall results provide mechanistic insight into how personalized differences in microbial communities influence vaginal antibiotic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Y Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ryan K Cheu
- University of Miami Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Melissa M Lemke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew T Gustin
- University of Miami Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael T France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Hampel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nichole R Klatt
- University of Miami Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Kelly B Arnold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Mehta SD, Agingu W, Nordgren RK, Green SJ, Bhaumik DK, Bailey RC, Otieno F. Characteristics of Women and Their Male Sex Partners Predict Bacterial Vaginosis Among a Prospective Cohort of Kenyan Women With Nonoptimal Vaginal Microbiota. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:840-850. [PMID: 32773610 PMCID: PMC7668344 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 50% of women with nonoptimal vaginal microbial community state type (CST) have bacterial vaginosis (BV). Little is known about what distinguishes women with and without BV diagnosis within nonoptimal CST. We identified features of women and their male sex partners associated with BV among women with nonoptimal vaginal CST. METHODS In this prospective study, 252 heterosexual couples were observed at 1, 6, and 12 months after baseline. Microbiomes were characterized in cervicovaginal lavage and penile meatal swabs through high-throughput 16s ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. Nonoptimal CST was defined as CST-IV. Bacterial vaginosis was defined as a Nugent score of 7 to 10. Generalized estimating equation analysis estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for BV among women with nonoptimal CST. RESULTS At baseline, women with nonoptimal CST were a median age of 22 years, 44% had BV, 16% had HIV, and 66% had herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. Male partners were a median age of 27 years, 12% had HIV, 48% had HSV-2, and 55% were circumcised. Within nonoptimal CST, Sneathia sanguinegens, Prevotella species, Prevotella amnii, and Clostridiales, BV-associated bacteria-2 were statistically significantly enriched in observations with BV. In multivariable generalized estimating equation controlling for CST, HIV, and HSV-2, BV was increased among women with CST-IVA (aOR, 1.91; P = 0.087), HIV (aOR, 2.30; P = 0.051), HSV-2 (aOR, 1.75; P = 0.065), and enrichment of male partner penile taxa: Dialister (aOR, 1.16; P = 0.034), Megasphaera (aOR, 1.22; P = 0.001), and Brevibacterium (aOR, 1.13; P = 0.019).These results provide insights into factors differentiating women with BV among those with nonoptimal vaginal CST. Interrupting the sexual exchange of penile and vaginal taxa may be beneficial for preventing pathologic state of vaginal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Dinesh Mehta
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Rachel K. Nordgren
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Dulal K. Bhaumik
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert C. Bailey
- From the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL
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Alisoltani A, Manhanzva MT, Potgieter M, Balle C, Bell L, Ross E, Iranzadeh A, du Plessis M, Radzey N, McDonald Z, Calder B, Allali I, Mulder N, Dabee S, Barnabas S, Gamieldien H, Godzik A, Blackburn JM, Tabb DL, Bekker LG, Jaspan HB, Passmore JAS, Masson L. Microbial function and genital inflammation in young South African women at high risk of HIV infection. MICROBIOME 2020; 8:165. [PMID: 33220709 PMCID: PMC7679981 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00932-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female genital tract (FGT) inflammation is an important risk factor for HIV acquisition. The FGT microbiome is closely associated with inflammatory profile; however, the relative importance of microbial activities has not been established. Since proteins are key elements representing actual microbial functions, this study utilized metaproteomics to evaluate the relationship between FGT microbial function and inflammation in 113 young and adolescent South African women at high risk of HIV infection. Women were grouped as having low, medium, or high FGT inflammation by K-means clustering according to pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. RESULTS A total of 3186 microbial and human proteins were identified in lateral vaginal wall swabs using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, while 94 microbial taxa were included in the taxonomic analysis. Both metaproteomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses showed increased non-optimal bacteria and decreased lactobacilli in women with FGT inflammatory profiles. However, differences in the predicted relative abundance of most bacteria were observed between 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metaproteomics analyses. Bacterial protein functional annotations (gene ontology) predicted inflammatory cytokine profiles more accurately than bacterial relative abundance determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, as well as functional predictions based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data (p < 0.0001). The majority of microbial biological processes were underrepresented in women with high inflammation compared to those with low inflammation, including a Lactobacillus-associated signature of reduced cell wall organization and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. This signature remained associated with high FGT inflammation in a subset of 74 women 9 weeks later, was upheld after adjusting for Lactobacillus relative abundance, and was associated with in vitro inflammatory cytokine responses to Lactobacillus isolates from the same women. Reduced cell wall organization and peptidoglycan biosynthesis were also associated with high FGT inflammation in an independent sample of ten women. CONCLUSIONS Both the presence of specific microbial taxa in the FGT and their properties and activities are critical determinants of FGT inflammation. Our findings support those of previous studies suggesting that peptidoglycan is directly immunosuppressive, and identify a possible avenue for biotherapeutic development to reduce inflammation in the FGT. To facilitate further investigations of microbial activities, we have developed the FGT-DB application that is available at http://fgtdb.org/ . Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Alisoltani
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Monalisa T Manhanzva
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Matthys Potgieter
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Liam Bell
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Ross
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Arash Iranzadeh
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | | | - Nina Radzey
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Zac McDonald
- Centre for Proteomic and Genomic Research, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Bridget Calder
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Imane Allali
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research (CIDRI) in Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Smritee Dabee
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Shaun Barnabas
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Hoyam Gamieldien
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Adam Godzik
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jonathan M Blackburn
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - David L Tabb
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Bioinformatics Unit, South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, 4013, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Lindi Masson
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, 4013, South Africa.
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence for and against the treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. Recent Findings Asymptomatic BV is common although its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. In favor of treating asymptomatic BV is the large body of data supporting that it is sexually transmitted. Along these lines and similar to other STIs, treatment of BV, regardless of symptom status, should be considered to reduce adverse outcomes of infection (i.e. adverse birth outcomes, infertility, post-gynecologic surgery infections, etc.) and prevent further sexual transmission of BV pathogen(s) to sexual partners. One study has found that treatment of women with asymptomatic BV led to a significant reduction in incident chlamydial infections over a 6 month follow-up period, compared to observation-only women. Additionally, some women with asymptomatic BV actually have symptomatic BV but do not recognize these symptoms as an infection. Nevertheless, limitations of the trial regarding treatment of asymptomatic BV as well as the 2020 United States Preventative Task Force recommendation against screening and treatment of asymptomatic BV in pregnant women dampen enthusiasm for recommending treatment in this setting. Summary Treatment of asymptomatic BV remains controversial. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the pathogenesis of BV, which will directly influence advances in its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL, USA
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Mitchell CM, Srinivasan S, Ma N, Reed SD, Wu MC, Hoffman NG, Valint DJ, Proll S, Fiedler TL, Agnew KJ, Guthrie KA, Fredricks DN. Bacterial Communities Associated With Abnormal Nugent Score in Postmenopausal Versus Premenopausal Women. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:2048-2052. [PMID: 33107562 PMCID: PMC8350750 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nugent score is the reference standard for bacterial vaginosis (BV) diagnosis but has not been validated in postmenopausal women. We compared relative abundances from 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of vaginal microbiota with Nugent score in cohorts of premenopausal (n = 220) and postmenopausal (n = 144) women. In premenopausal women, 33 taxa were significantly correlated with Nugent score, including the classic BV-associated taxa Gardnerella, Atopobium, Sneathia, Megasphaera, and Prevotella. In postmenopausal women, 11 taxa were significantly associated with Nugent score, including Prevotella but no other BV-associated genera. High Nugent scores should not be used to infer BV in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Mitchell
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Correspondence: Caroline M. Mitchell, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114 ()
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nanxun Ma
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan D Reed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael C Wu
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Noah G Hoffman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel J Valint
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean Proll
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tina L Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kathy J Agnew
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine A Guthrie
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Tamalet C, Devaux C, Dubourg G, Colson P. Resistance to human immunodeficiency virus infection: a rare but neglected state. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1485:22-42. [PMID: 33009659 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is well understood. In most individuals sexually exposed to HIV, the risk of becoming infected depends on the viral load and on sexual practices and gender. However, a low percentage of individuals who practice frequent unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-infected partners remain uninfected. Although the systematic study of these individuals has made it possible to identify HIV resistance factors including protective genetic patterns, such epidemiological situations remain paradoxical and not fully understood. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-free, unexposed blood donors are not equally susceptible to HIV infection; in addition, PBMCs from highly exposed seronegative individuals are generally resistant to infection by primary HIV clinical isolates. We review the literature on permissiveness of PBMCs from healthy blood donors and uninfected hyperexposed individuals to sustained infection and replication of HIV-1 in vitro. In addition, we focus on recent evidence indicating that the gut microbiota may either contribute to natural resistance to or delay replication of HIV infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tamalet
- IHU Méditerranée Infection and Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- IHU Méditerranée Infection and Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Gregory Dubourg
- IHU Méditerranée Infection and Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- IHU Méditerranée Infection and Aix-Marseille University, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Marseille, France
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Rollins-Smith LA, Smith PB, Ledeczi AM, Rowe JM, Reinert LK. Caerin 1 Antimicrobial Peptides That Inhibit HIV and Neisseria May Spare Protective Lactobacilli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E661. [PMID: 33008028 PMCID: PMC7600266 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a manageable disease for many, it is still a source of significant morbidity and economic hardship for many others. The predominant mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS is sexual intercourse, and measures to reduce transmission are needed. Previously, we showed that caerin 1 antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) originally derived from Australian amphibians inhibited in vitro transmission of HIV at relatively low concentrations and had low toxicity for T cells and an endocervical cell line. The use of AMPs as part of microbicidal formulations would expose the vaginal microbiome to these agents and cause potential harm to protective lactobacilli. Here, we tested the effects of caerin 1 peptides and their analogs on the viability of two species of common vaginal lactobacilli (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus crispatus). Several candidate peptides had limited toxicity for the lactobacilli at a range of concentrations that would inhibit HIV. Three AMPs were also tested for their ability to inhibit growth of Neisseria lactamica, a close relative of the sexually transmissible Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Neisseria lactamica was significantly more sensitive to the AMPs than the lactobacilli. Thus, several candidate AMPs have the capacity to inhibit HIV and possible N. gonorrhoeae transmission at concentrations that are significantly less harmful to the resident lactobacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A. Rollins-Smith
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (P.B.S.); (A.M.L.); (J.M.R.); (L.K.R.)
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Plummer EL, Vodstrcil LA, Murray GL, Fairley CK, Danielewski JA, Garland SM, Chow EPF, Bulach DM, Fethers KA, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS. Gardnerella vaginalis Clade Distribution Is Associated With Behavioral Practices and Nugent Score in Women Who Have Sex With Women. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:454-463. [PMID: 31544206 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gardnerella vaginalis is detected in women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV). Identification of 4 G. vaginalis clades raised the possibility that pathogenic and commensal clades exist. We investigated the association of behavioral practices and Nugent Score with G. vaginalis clade distribution in women who have sex with women (WSW). METHODS Longitudinal self-collected vaginal specimens were analyzed using established G. vaginalis species-specific and clade-typing polymerase chain reaction assays. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with detection of G. vaginalis clades, and multinomial regression assessed factors associated with number of clades. RESULTS Clades 1, 2, and 3 and multiclade communities (<2 clades) were associated with Nugent-BV. Clade 1 (odds ratio [OR], 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-6.84) and multiclade communities (relative risk ratio [RRR], 9.51; 95% CI, 4.36-20.73) were also associated with Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbiota. Clade 4 was neither associated with Nugent-BV nor Lactobacillus-deficient microbiota (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.67-3.33). Specific clades were associated with differing behavioral practices. Clade 1 was associated with increasing number of recent sexual partners and smoking, whereas clade 2 was associated with penile-vaginal sex and sharing of sex toys with female partners. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that G. vaginalis clades have varying levels of pathogenicity in WSW, with acquisition occurring through sexual activity. These findings suggest that partner treatment may be an appropriate strategy to improve BV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Plummer
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gerald L Murray
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Danielewski
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dieter M Bulach
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Bioinformatics, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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138
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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139
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Sturt AS, Webb EL, Francis SC, Hayes RJ, Bustinduy AL. Beyond the barrier: Female Genital Schistosomiasis as a potential risk factor for HIV-1 acquisition. Acta Trop 2020; 209:105524. [PMID: 32416076 PMCID: PMC7429987 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) results from egg-deposition in the female reproductive tract primarily by the waterborne parasite Schistosoma (S.) haematobium, and less commonly by Schistosoma (S.) mansoni. FGS affects an estimated 20-56 million women worldwide, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. There is cross-sectional evidence of increased HIV-1 prevalence in schistosomiasis-infected women, but a causal relationship between FGS and either HIV-1 acquisition or transmission has not been fully established. Beyond the pathognomonic breach in the cervicovaginal barrier caused by FGS, this narrative review explores potential mechanisms for a synergistic relationship between S. haematobium infection, FGS, and HIV-1 acquisition through vaginal inflammation and target cell recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Sturt
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
| | - E L Webb
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - S C Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - R J Hayes
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - A L Bustinduy
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
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140
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de Lara LM, Parthasarathy RS, Rodriguez-Garcia M. Mucosal Immunity and HIV Acquisition in Women. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 19:32-38. [PMID: 33103019 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Women acquire HIV through sexual transmission. Women worldwide represent half of the people living with HIV, but young women in endemic areas are disproportionally affected. Low transmission rates per sexual act in women suggest that local immune protective mechanisms in the genital tract have the potential to prevent infection. However, conditions that induce genital inflammation are known to increase the risk of HIV acquisition. The female genital tract (FGT) is divided into different anatomical compartments with distinct reproductive functions. The immune cells present in each of these compartments are specialized in balancing reproduction and protection against infections, and are the same cells that can encounter and respond to HIV. Understanding the physiological and pathological factors that influence mucosal immune cell presence, susceptibility to HIV-infection and anti-HIV immune responses in the FGT is necessary to develop preventive strategies. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of HIV infection in the human female genital tract, with an emphasis on the characterization of the mucosal cells susceptible to HIV-infection, innate immune responses and mucosal factors that increase genital inflammation and influence susceptibility to HIV acquisition in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno de Lara
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ragav S Parthasarathy
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Program, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Immunology Program, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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141
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Ratten LK, Plummer EL, Murray GL, Danielewski J, Fairley CK, Garland SM, Hocking JS, Tachedjian G, Chow E, Bradshaw CS, Vodstrcil LA. Sex is associated with the persistence of non-optimal vaginal microbiota following treatment for bacterial vaginosis: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2020; 128:756-767. [PMID: 33480468 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the associations between factors and sexual practices and the composition of the vaginal microbiome (VM) of women treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia. POPULATION Seventy-five reproductive-age women diagnosed with clinical BV, treated with first-line antibiotics and followed for up to 6 months. METHODS Women self-collected vaginal swabs and completed questionnaires at enrolment, the day following antibiotics and monthly for up to 6months until BV recurrence or no BV recurrence (n = 430 specimens). Bacterial composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The effects of ongoing factors on VM composition (utilising 291 monthly specimens) were assessed using generalised estimating equations population-averaged models, which accounted for repeated measures within individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relative abundance of vaginal bacterial taxa. RESULTS Women who reported ongoing sex with a regular sexual partner (RSP) had a VM comprised of increased relative abundance of non-optimal BV-associated bacteria (Adjusted co-efficient [Adjusted co-eff] = 11.91, 95% CI 3.39to20.43, P = 0.006) and a decreased relative abundance of optimal, Lactobacillus species (Adjusted co-eff = -12.76, 95% CI -23.03 to -2.49, P = 0.015). A history of BV was also associated with a decreased relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. (Adjusted co-eff = -12.35, 95% CI -22.68, P = 0.019). The relative abundance of Gardnerella, Atopobium and Sneathia spp. increased following sex with an RSP. CONCLUSIONS Sex with an untreated RSP after BV treatment was associated with a VM comprised of non-optimal BV-associated bacteria. BV treatment approaches may need to include partner treatment if they are to achieve a sustained optimal VM associated with improved health outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Sex drives a return to a 'non-optimal' vaginal microbiota after antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Ratten
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - E L Plummer
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - G L Murray
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - J Danielewski
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - C K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - S M Garland
- Women's Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - J S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - G Tachedjian
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Epf Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - C S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - L A Vodstrcil
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Vic., Australia
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142
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Redelinghuys MJ, Geldenhuys J, Jung H, Kock MM. Bacterial Vaginosis: Current Diagnostic Avenues and Future Opportunities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:354. [PMID: 32850469 PMCID: PMC7431474 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A healthy female genital tract harbors a microbiome dominated by lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide producing bacteria, which provide protection against infections by maintaining a low pH. Changes in the bacterial compositions of the vaginal microbiome can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is often associated with vaginal inflammation. Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and affects women's reproductive health negatively. In pregnant women, BV can lead to chorioamnionitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm premature rupture of the membranes and preterm birth. In order to manage BV effectively, good diagnostic procedures are required. Traditionally clinical and microscopic methods have been used to diagnose BV; however, these methods require skilled staff and time and suffer from reduced sensitivity and specificity. New diagnostics, including highly sensitive and specific point-of-care (POC) tests, treatment modalities and vaccines can be developed based on the identification of biomarkers from the growing pool of vaginal microbiome and vaginal metabolome data. In this review the current and future diagnostic avenues will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathys J. Redelinghuys
- School of Clinical Medicine, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janri Geldenhuys
- UP-Ampath Translational Genomics Initiative, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Division of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hyunsul Jung
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marleen M. Kock
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
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143
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Thoma ME, Brotman RM, Gray RH, Sewankambo NK, Wawer MJ. Risk and protective factors associated with BV chronicity among women in Rakai, Uganda. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 96:380-386. [PMID: 31601641 PMCID: PMC8162762 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess risk and protective factors associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) chronicity ascertained by Nugent score criteria. METHODS A longitudinal cohort study included 255 sexually experienced, postmenarcheal women who provided weekly self-collected vaginal swabs for up to 2 years. Vaginal swabs were scored using Nugent criteria and classified as normal (≤3), intermediate (4-6) and Nugent-BV (≥7). Detailed behavioural/health information were assessed every 6 months. A per-woman longitudinal summary measure of BV chronicity was defined as the percentage of each woman's weekly vaginal assessments scored as Nugent-BV over a 6-month interval. Risk and protective factors associated with BV chronicity were assessed using multiple linear regression with generalised estimating equations. RESULTS Average BV chronicity was 39% across all follow-up periods. After adjustment, factors associated with BV chronicity included baseline Nugent-BV (β=35.3, 95% CI 28.6 to 42.0) compared with normal baseline Nugent scores and use of unprotected water for bathing (ie, rainwater, pond, lake/stream) (β=12.0, 95% CI 3.4 to 20.5) compared with protected water sources (ie, well, tap, borehole). Women had fewer BV occurrences if they were currently pregnant (β=-6.6, 95% CI -12.1 to 1.1), reported consistent condom use (β=-7.7, 95% CI -14.2 to 1.3) or their partner was circumcised (β=-5.8, 95% CI -11.3 to 0.3). CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with higher and lower values of BV chronicity were multifactorial. Notably, higher values of BV chronicity were associated with potentially contaminated bathing water. Future studies should examine the role of waterborne microbial agents in the pathogenesis of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie E Thoma
- Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ronald H Gray
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nelson K Sewankambo
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University School of Medicine, College of Helath Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Maria J Wawer
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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144
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Happel AU, Singh R, Mitchev N, Mlisana K, Jaspan HB, Barnabas SL, Passmore JAS. Testing the regulatory framework in South Africa - a single-blind randomized pilot trial of commercial probiotic supplementation to standard therapy in women with bacterial vaginosis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:491. [PMID: 32650729 PMCID: PMC7350581 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases HIV risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. Standard-of-care (SOC) for BV are antibiotics; however, cure rates are low. Probiotics for vaginal health may be useful in improving cure and recurrence although the regulatory framework governing probiotics and the conduct of randomized clinical trials to evaluate these has not been established in South Africa. We performed an exploratory single-blind trial evaluating a commercial oral-vaginal-combination probiotic as adjunct to SOC for BV treatment. METHODS Women with symptomatic vaginal discharge were screened for BV and common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). BV+ (Nugent 7-10) but STI- women were randomized to vaginal metronidazole alone (n = 12) or to metronidazole followed by a commercial oral/vaginal probiotic (n = 18). The primary qualitative outcome was to test the regulatory landscape for conducting randomized probiotic trials in South Africa; and acceptability of vaginal application by women. BV cure at 1 month (Nugent≤3) was the primary quantitative endpoint. Secondary quantitative endpoints were BV recurrence, symptoms, vaginal microbiota and genital cytokine changes over 5 months post-treatment. RESULTS The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reviewed and approved this trial. As probiotics continue to be regulated as health supplements in South Africa, SAHPRA required a notification application for this trial. Acceptability and adherence to the oral and vaginal application of the probiotic were high, although women reported a preference for oral capsules. 44.8% of women cleared BV one-month post-treatment, and no significant differences in BV cure (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.24-1.16), recurrence, vaginal pH, symptoms, microbiota or vaginal IL-1α concentrations were found between SOC and intervention groups in this pilot study with an over-the-counter product. CONCLUSION Navigation of the SAHPRA registration process for evaluating a commercial probiotic in a randomised trial laid the foundation for planned larger trials of improved probiotic products for vaginal health in South Africa. Although adherence to the vaginally delivered probiotic was high, women preferred oral application and we recommend that improvements in the content and method of application for future probiotics for vaginal health should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered on 17 October 2017 with the South African National Clinical Trial Register ( http://www.sanctr.gov.za/ ; BV-trial1; DOH-27-1117-5579 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Ursula Happel
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
- NRF-DST CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ravesh Singh
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, USA
| | - Shaun L Barnabas
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
- NRF-DST CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
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145
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Francis SC, Crucitti T, Smekens T, Hansen CH, Andreasen A, Jespers V, Hardy L, Irani J, Changalucha J, Baisley K, Hayes R, Watson-Jones D, Buvé A. The Vaginal Microbiota Among Adolescent Girls in Tanzania Around the Time of Sexual Debut. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:305. [PMID: 32670894 PMCID: PMC7330010 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not well-understood, and prevalence appears to be higher among women living in sub-Saharan Africa. A recent conceptual model implicates three main bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis; Atopobium vaginae; and Prevotella bivia), sexual activity, sialidase activity, and biofilm formation in the pathogenesis of BV. We describe the vaginal microbiota, presence of the putative sialidase A gene of G. vaginalis, and biofilm among 386 adolescent girls aged 17 and 18 years in a cross-sectional study in Mwanza, Tanzania around the time of expected sexual debut. Vaginal swabs were collected and tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for five Lactobacillus species, G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, P. bivia, the sialidase A gene of G. vaginalis, and by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) for evidence of G. vaginalis and A. vaginae biofilm. We conducted a risk factor analysis of G. vaginalis, A. vaginae and P. bivia, and explored the associations between biofilm, the presence of the sialidase A gene, and non-optimal vaginal microbiota (Nugent 4-7). L. crispatus and L. iners were detected in 69 and 82% of girls, respectively. The prevalence of L. crispatus was higher than previously reported in earlier studies among East and Southern African women. G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, P. bivia were independently associated with reported penile-vaginal sex. Samples with all three BV-associated bacteria made up the highest proportion of samples with Nugent-BV compared to samples with each bacterium alone or together in pairs. Of the 238 girls with G. vaginalis, 63% had the sialidase A gene detected, though there was no difference by reported sexual activity (p = 0.197). Of the 191 girls with results for sialidase A gene and FISH, there was strong evidence for an increased presence of sialidase A gene among those with evidence of a biofilm (p < 0.001). There was a strong association between biofilm and non-optimal microbiota (aOR67.00; 95% CI 26.72-190.53). These results support several of the steps outlined in the conceptual model, although the role of sexual activity is less clear. We recommend longitudinal studies to better understand changes in vaginal microbiota and biofilm formation around the time of sexual debut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Carter Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tania Crucitti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christian Holm Hansen
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania.,MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Aura Andreasen
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vicky Jespers
- Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liselotte Hardy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julia Irani
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Kathy Baisley
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hayes
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Buvé
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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146
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Lehtoranta L, Hibberd AA, Reimari J, Junnila J, Yeung N, Maukonen J, Crawford G, Ouwehand AC. Recovery of Vaginal Microbiota After Standard Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis Infection: An Observational Study. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060875. [PMID: 32527048 PMCID: PMC7355544 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV) affect negatively women’s health. Understanding vaginal microbiota fluctuations in BV during and after antibiotic treatment would facilitate accurate decision-making on the treatment regimen, avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, and potentially mitigate recurrence. We investigated vaginal microbiota composition of 30 women with BV before and after 5-day metronidazole treatment and compared the results with 30 healthy women. Vaginal microbiota was assessed by Nugent score and analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in swabs on baseline Day 1, and on Day 8 and 15, after completion of antibiotic treatment by women with BV. Prior to antibiotic treatment (Day 1), BV-positive women were dominated by Lactobacillus iners (25.8%), Prevotella timonensis/bivia (18.0%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (14.6%), whereas healthy women were dominated by L. iners (37.5%) and Lactobacillus crispatus/acidophilus (19.2%). On Day 8, L. iners abundance increased in BV-treated women being significantly higher compared with healthy women (67.8% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.049). On Day 15, the relative abundance of all microbial taxa was similar between the groups. Vaginal microbiota of women with BV shifted to resemble that of healthy controls after metronidazole. Sequencing analysis provides more in-depth understanding of changes in vaginal microbiota. The role of L. iners in vaginal health and dysbiosis requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Lehtoranta
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashley A. Hibberd
- Genomics & Microbiome Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, 4300 Duncan Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Jenni Reimari
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Jouni Junnila
- 4Pharma Ltd., Arkadiankatu 7, 00100 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Nicolas Yeung
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Johanna Maukonen
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
| | - Gordon Crawford
- CPS Research, 3 Todd Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow G20 0SP, UK;
| | - Arthur C. Ouwehand
- Global Health and Nutrition Science, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland; (J.R.); (N.Y.); (J.M.); (A.C.O.)
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147
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Happel AU, Kullin B, Gamieldien H, Wentzel N, Zauchenberger CZ, Jaspan HB, Dabee S, Barnabas SL, Jaumdally SZ, Dietrich J, Gray G, Bekker LG, Froissart R, Passmore JAS. Exploring potential of vaginal Lactobacillus isolates from South African women for enhancing treatment for bacterial vaginosis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008559. [PMID: 32497109 PMCID: PMC7271994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics continue to be the standard-of-care for bacterial vaginosis (BV), although recurrence rates are high. Vaginal probiotics may improve durability of BV treatment, although few probiotics for vaginal health contain Lactobacillus spp. that commonly colonize the lower female genital tract. Characteristics of vaginal Lactobacillus strains from South African women were evaluated for their probiotic potential in vitro compared to strains from commercial vaginal products, including growth at varying pHs, ability to lower pH, produce D-/L-lactate and H2O2, influence growth of BV-associated Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia, adherence to cervical cells and susceptibility to antibiotics. Fifty-seven Lactobacillus strains were purified from cervico-vaginal fluid, including L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. mucosae, and L. vaginalis. L crispatus strains grew better at pHs below 4.5 and lowered pH more effectively than other strains. Production of D-/L-lactate and H2O2 varied between Lactobacillus species and strains. Lactobacillus strains generally inhibited P. bivia more uniformly than G. vaginalis isolates. All vaginal Lactobacillus isolates were resistant to metronidazole while susceptibility to clindamycin varied. Furthermore, vaginal Lactobacillus strains tended to be broadly susceptible to penicillin, amoxicillin, rifampicin and rifabutin. Whole-genome-sequencing of five of the best-performing vaginal Lactobacillus strains confirmed their likely safety, due to antimicrobial resistance elements being largely absent, while putative intact prophages were present in the genomes of two of the five strains. Overall, vaginal Lactobacillus strains largely performed better in these in vitro assays than probiotic strains currently used in probiotics for vaginal health. Including the best-performing vaginal Lactobacillus isolates in a region-specific probiotic for vaginal health may result in improved BV treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Kullin
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hoyam Gamieldien
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole Wentzel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chambrez Z. Zauchenberger
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather B. Jaspan
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Smritee Dabee
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Shaun L. Barnabas
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu (FAMCRU), Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Shameem Z. Jaumdally
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janan Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Remy Froissart
- UMR MIVEGEC CNRS-IRD-UM, University Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- NRF-DST CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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148
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Mohammadi A, Bagherichimeh S, Perry MC, Fazel A, Tevlin E, Huibner S, Tharao W, Coburn B, Kaul R. The impact of cervical cytobrush sampling on cervico-vaginal immune parameters and microbiota relevant to HIV susceptibility. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8514. [PMID: 32444843 PMCID: PMC7244754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65544-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunology and microbiota of the female genital tract (FGT) are key determinants of HIV susceptibility. Cervical cytobrush sampling is a relatively non-invasive method permitting the longitudinal assessment of endocervical immune cells, but effects on FGT immunology are unknown. Blood, cervico-vaginal secretions and cervical cytobrushes were collected from sexually transmitted infection (STI)-free women at baseline and after either 6 hours or 48 hours. Endocervical immune cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by multiplex ELISA. The density of Lactobacillus species and key bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterial taxa were determined by qPCR. Paired changes were assessed before and after cytobrush sampling. After 6 hours there were significant increases in CD4 + T cell, antigen presenting cell (APC) and neutrophil numbers; APC elevations persisted at 48 hours, while neutrophil and CD4 + T cell numbers returned to baseline. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were increased at 6 hours and returned to baseline by 48 hours. No significant changes were observed in the absolute abundance of Lactobacillus species or BV-associated bacteria at either time point. Overall, cytobrush sampling altered genital immune parameters at 6 hours, but only APC number increases persisted at 48 hours. This should be considered in longitudinal analyses of FGT immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohammadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - S Bagherichimeh
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M C Perry
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Fazel
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - E Tevlin
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - S Huibner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - W Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - B Coburn
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - R Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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149
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Joshi S, Mane A, Muwonge R, Divate U, Padbidri V, Kulkarni V, Gangakhedkar R, Sankaranarayanan R. Prevalence and predictors of bacterial vaginosis in HIV-infected women in Maharashtra, India. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:541-552. [PMID: 32233718 PMCID: PMC7221459 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419878333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence and determinants of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in HIV-infected women from Maharashtra, India. Among 912 HIV-infected women enrolled, BV was diagnosed in 191 (20.9%) and intermediate BV was diagnosed in 258 (28.3%) women. Women with more than two pregnancies had 1.6 times increased risk of BV (95% CI 1.0, 2.5, p-value 0.038), women who were menopausal had 6.2 times increased risk of BV (95% CI 2.4, 15.6, p-value <0.001) and women who were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive had 2.3 times increased risk of BV (95% CI 1.4, 3.9, p-value 0.001). Although we observed significantly increased risk of BV among women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse disease in the univariate analysis (odds ratio 3.5, 95% CI 1.5, 8.1, p-value 0.004), it did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. Women who had the first sexual intercourse after the age of 18 had significantly lower risk of BV. To conclude, we observed high prevalence of BV in HIV-infected women and increased risk of BV in HPV positive, HIV-infected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Joshi
- Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute and Prayas,
Pune, India
| | - A Mane
- National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | - R Muwonge
- Screening Group, Early Detection & Prevention Section,
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - U Divate
- Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Pune,
India
| | - V Padbidri
- Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Pune,
India
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150
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Plasma concentration of injectable contraceptive correlates with reduced cervicovaginal growth factor expression in South African women. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:449-459. [PMID: 31896762 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable contraceptives have been associated with mucosal immune changes and increased HIV acquisition, but studies have often been hampered by the inaccuracy of self-reported data, unknown timing of injection, and interactions with mucosal transmission co-factors. We used mass spectrometry to quantify the plasma concentrations of injectable contraceptives in women from the CAPRISA004 study (n = 664), with parallel quantification of 48 cytokines and >500 host proteins in cervicovaginal lavage. Higher DMPA levels were associated with reduced CVL concentrations of GCSF, MCSF, IL-16, CTACK, LIF, IL-1α, and SCGF-β in adjusted linear mixed models. Dose-dependent relationships between DMPA concentration and genital cytokines were frequently observed. Unsupervised clustering of host proteins by DMPA concentration suggest that women with low DMPA had increases in proteins associated with mucosal fluid function, growth factors, and keratinization. Although DMPA was not broadly pro-inflammatory, DMPA was associated with increased IP-10 in HSV-2 seropositive and older women. DMPA-cytokine associations frequently differed by vaginal microbiome; in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women, DMPA was associated with elevated IL-8, MCP-1, and IP-10 concentrations. These data confirm a direct, concentration-dependant effect of DMPA on functionally important immune factors within the vaginal compartment. The biological effects of DMPA may vary depending on age, HSV-2 status, and vaginal microbiome composition.
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