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Semertzidou A, Whelan E, Smith A, Ng S, Roberts L, Brosens JJ, Marchesi JR, Bennett PR, MacIntyre DA, Kyrgiou M. Microbial signatures and continuum in endometrial cancer and benign patients. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:118. [PMID: 38951935 PMCID: PMC11218081 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer is a multifactorial disease with inflammatory, metabolic and potentially microbial cues involved in disease pathogenesis. The endometrial cancer microbiome has been poorly characterised so far and studies have often overestimated bacterial biomass due to lack of integration of appropriate contamination controls. There is also a scarcity of evidence on the functionality of microbial microenvironments in endometrial cancer. This work addresses that knowledge gap by interrogating the genuine, contamination-free microbial signatures in the female genital tract and rectum of women with endometrial cancer and the mechanistic role of microbiome on carcinogenic processes. RESULTS Here we sampled different regions of the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries) and rectum of 61 patients (37 endometrial cancer; 24 benign controls). We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V1-V2 hypervariable regions and qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene to qualitatively and quantitatively assess microbial communities and used 3D benign and endometrial cancer organoids to evaluate the effect of microbial products of L. crispatus, which was found depleted in endometrial cancer patients following primary analysis, on endometrial cell proliferation and inflammation. We found that the upper genital tract of a subset of women with and without endometrial cancer harbour microbiota quantitatively and compositionally distinguishable from background contaminants. Endometrial cancer was associated with reduced cervicovaginal and rectal bacterial load together with depletion of Lactobacillus species relative abundance, including L. crispatus, increased bacterial diversity and enrichment of Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus and Anaerococcus in the lower genital tract and endometrium. Treatment of benign and malignant endometrial organoids with L. crispatus conditioned media exerted an anti-proliferative effect at high concentrations but had minimal impact on cytokine and chemokine profiles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence that the upper female reproductive tract of some women contains detectable levels of bacteria, the composition of which is associated with endometrial cancer. Whether this is a cause or consequence of cancer pathophysiology and what is the functional significance of this finding remain to be elucidated to guide future screening tools and microbiome-based therapeutics. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Semertzidou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Eilbhe Whelan
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Ann Smith
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University West of England, Glenside Campus, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK
| | - Sherrianne Ng
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Lauren Roberts
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jan J Brosens
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, University Hospital, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Julian R Marchesi
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Room 3006, 3rd Floor, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, W12 0HS, UK.
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Chen Q, Chen T. Simultaneous application of oral and intravaginal probiotics for Helicobacter pylori and its antibiotic-therapy-induced vaginal dysbacteriosis. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:49. [PMID: 38902244 PMCID: PMC11190290 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent bacterial pathogen globally, implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders. Current recommended antibiotic therapies for H. pylori infection have been proven to be therapeutically insufficient, with low eradication rates and high recurrence rates. Emerging evidence suggests that antibiotic therapy for H. pylori can lead to gastrointestinal and subsequent vaginal dysbiosis, posing challenges for conventional antibiotic approaches. Thus, this article proposes a novel probiotic therapy involving simultaneous oral and intra-vaginal probiotic administration alongside antibiotics for H. pylori treatment, aiming to enhance eradication rates and mitigate dysbiosis. We begin by providing an overview of gastrointestinal and vaginal microbiota and their interconnectedness through the vagina-gut axis. We then review the efficacy of current antibiotic regimens for H. pylori and discuss how antibiotic treatment impacts the vaginal microenvironment. To explore the feasibility of this approach, we evaluate the effectiveness of oral and intra-vaginal probiotics in restoring normal microbiota in the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, respectively. Additionally, we analyze the direct mechanisms by which oral and intra-vaginal probiotics act on their respective tracts and discuss potential cross-tract mechanisms. Considering the potential synergistic therapeutic effects of probiotics in both the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, dual-channel probiotic therapy holds promise as a more effective approach for H. pylori eradication and dysbiosis mitigation, presenting a novel concept in the collaborative treatment of gastrointestinal and genital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
- National Engineering Research Centre for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
| | - Tingtao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
- National Engineering Research Centre for Bioengineering Drugs and Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Han M, Wang N, Han W, Liu X, Sun T, Xu J. Specific vaginal and gut microbiome and the anti-tumor effect of butyrate in cervical cancer women. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101902. [PMID: 38507924 PMCID: PMC10965493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the vaginal and gut microbes changes during the carcinogenesis of cervical and the auxiliary diagnostic value. To investigate the effect of microbiome-specific metabolites butyric on cervical cancer cells. METHODS We studied 416 vaginal 16S rRNA sequencing data and 116 gut sequencing data. Reads were processed using VSEARCH. We used Shannon index, Chao1 index, Simpson diversity index, β diversity index, Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), co-abundance network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis to explore microbiome differences between groups. We constructed random forest models based on genus and verified its discriminant effect. Finally, we used the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to detect cell proliferation capacity and flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and induction of cell cycle progression. RESULTS Compared to the non-cancerous population, patients with cervical cancer had unique microbial community characteristics in both vaginal and gut ecological niches. Our predictive model based on genus in two ecological regions achieved high accuracy in the diagnosis of cervical cancer (vaginal model AUC=91.58 %; gut model AUC=99.95 %). Butyric inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and promoted apoptosis of cancer cells. CONCLUSION Significant differences were found in vaginal and gut microbes in patients with cervical cancer compared to the non-cancerous population. The prediction models constructed at the genus level in both ecological sites have good diagnostic value. Microorganisms may be involved in cervical cancer progression in a metabolite-dependent way, and targeting butyric may provide therapeutic options for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Wenjie Han
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Liaoning Microhealth Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanlin Road, Dadong District, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Junnan Xu
- Department of Breast Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110000, China.
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Burnham CM, McKenney EA, van Heugten KA, Minter LJ, Trivedi S. Effects of age, seasonality, and reproductive status on the gut microbiome of Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) at the North Carolina zoo. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:27. [PMID: 37147724 PMCID: PMC10163733 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managed southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) serve as assurance populations for wild conspecifics threatened by poaching and other anthropocentric effects, though many managed populations experience subfertility and reproductive failure. Gut microbiome and host health are inextricably linked, and reproductive outcomes in managed southern white rhinoceros may be mediated in part by their diet and gut microbial diversity. Thus, understanding microbial dynamics within managed populations may help improve conservation efforts. We characterized the taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome in the managed population of female southern white rhinoceros (n = 8) at the North Carolina Zoo and investigated the effects of seasonality (summer vs. winter) and age classes (juveniles (n = 2; 0-2 years), subadults (n = 2; 3-7 years), and adults (n = 4; >7 years)) on microbial richness and community structure. Collection of a fecal sample was attempted for each individual once per month from July-September 2020 and January-March 2021 resulting in a total of 41 samples analyzed. Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced using the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Total operational taxonomic units (OTUs), alpha diversity (species richness, Shannon diversity), and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, linear discriminant analysis effect size) indices were examined, and differentially enriched taxa were identified. RESULTS There were differences (p < 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity indices across individuals, age groups, and sampling months. Subadult females had higher levels of Shannon diversity (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05) compared to adult females and harbored a community cluster distinct from both juveniles and adults. Samples collected during winter months (January-March 2021) possessed higher species richness and statistically distinct communities compared to summer months (July-September 2020) (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05). Reproductively active (n = 2) and currently nonreproductive adult females (n = 2) harbored differentially enriched taxa, with the gut microbiome of nonreproductive females significantly enriched (p = 0.001) in unclassified members of Mobiluncus, a genus which possesses species associated with poor reproductive outcomes in other animal species when identified in the cervicovaginal microbiome. CONCLUSION Together, our results increase the understanding of age and season related microbial variation in southern white rhinoceros at the North Carolina Zoo and have identified a potential microbial biomarker for reproductive concern within managed female southern white rhinoceros.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Burnham
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 120 W Broughton Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Erin A McKenney
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, 100 Brooks Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Kimberly Ange- van Heugten
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 120 W Broughton Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Larry J Minter
- North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC, 27205, USA
| | - Shweta Trivedi
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, 120 W Broughton Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
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Mirzaei R, Kavyani B, Nabizadeh E, Kadkhoda H, Asghari Ozma M, Abdi M. Microbiota metabolites in the female reproductive system: Focused on the short-chain fatty acids. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14562. [PMID: 36967966 PMCID: PMC10031489 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several disorders have been linked to modifications in the gut microbial imbalance, intestinal epithelium, and host immune system. In this regard, microbiota derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a key function in the regulation of histone deacetylases (HDACs), which affect modulation of immunity and regulation of inflammatory responses in the intestine and other organs. Studies examining the metabolites produced by polymicrobial bacterial vaginosis (BV) states and Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota have noted a dramatic reduction of lactic acid and a shift toward SCFA synthesis. Along with higher levels of SCFAs, acetate is typically the main metabolite in the cervicovaginal fluid of women with symptomatic bacterial vaginosis. The fact that SCFAs made by the vaginal microbiota have been shown to exhibit antibacterial and immune-modulating properties suggests that they may have promise as indicators of disease and/or disease susceptibility. In this review, we overview and summarize the current findings on the detrimental or protective roles of microbiota metabolites especially SCFAs in the health and disease of the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Batoul Kavyani
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology & Virology), Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Edris Nabizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hiva Kadkhoda
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Asghari Ozma
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Milad Abdi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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Zhao QY, Zhang LY, Fu DY, Xu J, Chen P, Ye H. Lactobacillus spp. in the reproductive system of female moths and mating induced changes and possible transmission. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:308. [PMID: 36536275 PMCID: PMC9762107 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02724-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microbiome in the insect reproductive tract is poorly understood. Our previous study demonstrated the presence of Lactobacillus spp. in female moths, but their distribution and function remain unclear. Lactobacillus spp. are known as the 'healthy' vaginal microbiome in humans. RESULTS Here, we studied the microbiome in the reproductive system (RS) and gut of Spodoptera frugiperda using 16S rDNA sequences. The obtained 4315 bacterial OTUs were classified into 61 phyla and 642 genera, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota being the top three dominant phyla and Enterococcus and Asaia being dominant genera in most samples. Mating dramatically increased the abundance of pathogens or pathogenic functions in the gut, while in the RS, the change range was trivial. Taxonomy assignment identified thirteen Lactobacillus spp. in S. frugiperda, with Lactobacillus crustorum and Lactobacillus murinus showing high abundance. Three species found in S. frugiperda, namely L. reuteri, L. plantarum and L. brevis, have also been identified as human 'healthy' vaginal bacterial species. Lactobacillus spp. showed higher abundance in the RS of virgin females and lower abundance in the RS of virgin males and the gut of virgin females. Mating reduced their abundance in the RS of females but increased their abundance in the RS of males, especially in males mated with multiple females. The RS of virgin females and of multiple mated males were very similar in terms of composition and abundance of Lactobacillus species, with Lactobacillus crustorum showing much higher abundance in both tissues, potentially due to sexual transmission. CONCLUSIONS Lactobacillus spp. showed high abundance and diversity in the RS of female moths. The higher abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the RS of female moths and the similarity of Lactobacillus species in female moths with human 'healthy' vaginal Lactobacillus spp. suggest that these bacterial strains are also an important microbiome in the RS of female moths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yi Zhao
- grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China ,grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China
| | - Luo-Yan Zhang
- grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China
| | - Da-Ying Fu
- grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China
| | - Jin Xu
- grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China ,grid.412720.20000 0004 1761 2943Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Bailong Road 300#, Kunming, 650224 China
| | - Peng Chen
- grid.464490.b0000 0004 1798 048XYunnan Academy of Forestry and Grassland, Lanan Road 2#, Kunming, 650201 China
| | - Hui Ye
- grid.440773.30000 0000 9342 2456School of Ecology and Environment, Yunnan University, Cuihu North Road 2#, Kunming, 650091 China
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Roachford OSE, Alleyne AT, Nelson KE. Insights into the vaginal microbiome in a diverse group of women of African, Asian and European ancestries. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14449. [PMID: 36518275 PMCID: PMC9744153 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intra-continentally, vaginal microbiome signatures are reported to be significantly different between Black and Caucasian women, with women of African ancestry having the less well defined heterogenous bacterial community state type (CST) deficient of Lactobacillus species (CST IV). The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal microbiomes across a more diverse intercontinental group of women (N = 151) of different ethnicities (African American, African Kenyan, Afro-Caribbean, Asian Indonesian and Caucasian German) using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis to determine their structures and offer a comprehensive description of the non-Lactobacillus dominant CSTs and subtypes. Results In this study, the bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiomes differed significantly among the ethnic groups. Lactobacillus spp. (L. crispatus and L. iners) dominated the vaginal microbiomes in African American women (91.8%) compared to European (German, 42.4%), Asian (Indonesian, 45.0%), African (Kenyan, 34.4%) and Afro-Caribbean (26.1%) women. Expanding on CST classification, three subtypes of CST IV (CST IV-A, IV-B and IV-C) (N = 56, 37.1%) and four additional CSTs were described: CST VI Gardnerella vaginalis-dominant (N = 6, 21.8%); CST VII (Prevotella-dominant, N = 1, 0.66%); CST VIII (N = 9, 5.96%), resembling aerobic vaginitis, was differentiated by a high proportion of taxa such as Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus (relative abundance [RA] > 50%) and CST IX (N = 7, 4.64%) dominated by genera other than Lactobacillus, Gardnerella or Prevotella (e.g., Bifidobacterium breve and Anaerococcus vaginalis). Within the vaginal microbiomes, 32 "taxa with high pathogenic potential" (THPP) were identified. Collectively, THPP (mean RA ~5.24%) negatively correlated (rs = -0.68, p < 2.2e-16) with Lactobacillus species but not significantly with Gardnerella/Prevotella spp. combined (r = -0.13, p = 0.1). However, at the individual level, Mycoplasma hominis exhibited moderate positive correlations with Gardnerella (r = 0.46, p = 2.6e-09) and Prevotella spp. (r = 0.47, p = 1.4e-09). Conclusions These findings while supporting the idea that vaginal microbiomes vary with ethnicity, also suggest that CSTs are more wide-ranging and not exclusive to any particular ethnic group. This study offers additional insight into the structure of the vaginal microbiome and contributes to the description and subcategorization of non-Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orville St. E. Roachford
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Angela T. Alleyne
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Karen E. Nelson
- J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD, United States of America
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
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Kwon MS, Lee HK. Host and Microbiome Interplay Shapes the Vaginal Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:919728. [PMID: 35837395 PMCID: PMC9273862 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.919728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract harbors a unique microbiome, especially the vagina. The human vaginal microbiome exhibits a low diversity and is dominated by Lactobacillus species, compared to the microbiome of other organs. The host and vaginal microbiome mutually coexist in the vaginal microenvironment. Host cells provide Lactobacillus glycogen as an energy source, and Lactobacillus produce lactic acid, which lowers vaginal pH thereby preventing growth of other bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis can modulate host immune systems, and is frequently associated with various aspects of disease, including sexually transmitted infection, gynecologic cancer, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Because of this, numerous studies focused on the impact of the vaginal microbiome on women`s health and disease. Furthermore, numerous epidemiologic studies also have demonstrated various host factors regulate the vaginal microbiome. The female reproductive tract undergoes constant fluctuations due to hormonal cycle, pregnancy, and other extrinsic factors. Depending on these fluctuations, the vaginal microbiome composition can shift temporally and dynamically. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of how host factors modulate vaginal microbiome composition and how the vaginal microbiome contributes to maintaining homeostasis or inducing pathogenesis. A better understanding of relationship between host and vaginal microbiome could identify novel targets for diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of microbiome-related diseases.
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Iniesta S, Esteban S, Armijo Ó, Lobo S, Manzano S, Espinosa I, Cárdenas N, Bartha JL, Jiménez E. Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 exerts an effect on the microbial and immunological profile of couples suffering unknown infertility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13552. [PMID: 35506742 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13552] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Unknown or idiopathic infertility has been associated with urogenital tract dysbiosis, reducing pregnancy and delivery ratios during assisted reproductive treatments (ART). The Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS11610 strain has shown extraordinary antimicrobial activity in vitro against urogenital pathogens as well as other probiotic characteristics. Therefore, an intervention study was performed to evaluate the effect of L. salivarius PS11610 on the microbial composition of urogenital tract in infertile couples with bacterial dysbiosis. METHOD OF STUDY Seventeen couples undergoing ART diagnosed with unknown infertility were selected. After confirming urogenital dysbiosis, they started a 6-month treatment with L. salivarius PS11610 (1 dose/12 h for female and 1 dose/24 h for male). Vaginal, seminal, glans, uterine and plasma samples were collected for determination of the microbiome and immune profile at the beginning and the end of the treatment. RESULTS Supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 significantly modified the urogenital microbiome composition in male and female samples, solving dysbiosis of 67% of the couples. Pathogens disappeared from the vaginal samples whereas Lactobacilli percentage increased after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Moreover, L. salivarius PS11610 changed the uterine microbiome that could be associated with a change of the uterine immune profile. Additionally, the probiotic intake could be associated with the observed change in the systemic immunological profile of couples. Finally, the pregnant and delivery ratio were improved. CONCLUSIONS Probiotic supplementation with L. salivarius PS11610 improved the male and female urogenital tract microbiome, modulating the immune system and increasing pregnancy success in couples undergoing ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Iniesta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Esteban
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ónica Armijo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Lobo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Manzano
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Espinosa
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nivia Cárdenas
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Bartha
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Jiménez
- Probisearch, SLU. c/Santiago Grisolía, 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
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Fecal Putative Uropathogen Abundance and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Carriage in Women With Refractory Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Treated With Fecal Microbiota Transplantation. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021; 28:213-219. [PMID: 34608030 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to describe the fecal relative abundance of potentially uropathogenic bacteria and to analyze antibiotic resistance genes before and after fecal microbiota transplantation in women with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS Shotgun sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 3 donors and 4 women with recurrent UTI who underwent transplantation. Recipient samples were sequenced at baseline and at 4 time points through 6 months postintervention. Relative fecal uropathogen abundance was analyzed by species and participant using descriptive statistics. Antibiotic resistance gene abundance was assigned, normalized, and compared between donors and recipients at baseline and postintervention using an abundance bar plot, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and pairwise permutational multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS The median (range) relative abundance of Escherichia coli in all fecal samples from women with recurrent UTI was 0% (0%-5.10%); Enterococcus faecalis, 0% (0%-0.20%); Enterococcus faecium, 0% (0%-1.90%); Klebsiella pneumoniae, 0% (0%-0.10%); and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 0% (0%-0.10%). Gut microbes carried genes conferring resistance to antibiotics used for UTI. No significant difference was seen in antibiotic resistance gene carriage after transplantation compared with baseline (P=0.22, R2=0.08 at 3 months). Antibiotic gene composition and abundance were significantly associated with the individual from whom the sample came (P=0.004, R2=0.78 at 3 months). CONCLUSIONS Exploratory analysis of gut microbiomes in women with recurrent UTI identifies no or low relative putative uropathogen abundance for all species examined. Antibiotic resistance gene carriage persisted after fecal microbiota transplantation, although conclusions are limited by small sample size.
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Baldewijns S, Sillen M, Palmans I, Vandecruys P, Van Dijck P, Demuyser L. The Role of Fatty Acid Metabolites in Vaginal Health and Disease: Application to Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:705779. [PMID: 34276639 PMCID: PMC8282898 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.705779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the vast majority of women encounters at least one vaginal infection during their life, the amount of microbiome-related research performed in this area lags behind compared to alternative niches such as the intestinal tract. As a result, effective means of diagnosis and treatment, especially of recurrent infections, are limited. The role of the metabolome in vaginal health is largely elusive. It has been shown that lactate produced by the numerous lactobacilli present promotes health by limiting the chance of infection. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) have been mainly linked to dysbiosis, although the causality of this relationship is still under debate. In this review, we aim to bring together information on the role of the vaginal metabolome and microbiome in infections caused by Candida. Vulvovaginal candidiasis affects near to 70% of all women at least once in their life with a significant proportion of women suffering from the recurrent variant. We assess the role of fatty acid metabolites, mainly SCFA and lactate, in onset of infection and virulence of the fungal pathogen. In addition, we pinpoint where lack of research limits our understanding of the molecular processes involved and restricts the possibility of developing novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Baldewijns
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mart Sillen
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Palmans
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Vandecruys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Demuyser
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven-Heverlee, Belgium
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Petrova MI, Reid G, Ter Haar JA. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1, a.k.a. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1: Past and Future Perspectives. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:747-761. [PMID: 33865678 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (LGR-1) (previously classified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1) is the most researched probiotic strain for women's health. Its various urogenital health effects, including a reduction in the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis and urinary-tract infection, are well documented. The strain has also been safely used by HIV-positive subjects, a portion of whom have reported reduced diarrhea and increased CD4 counts. Unlike most probiotic strains used for urogenital health, LGR-1 has been extensively studied for its properties, including its genomic and metabolic traits and its surface properties. This review aims to highlight the totality of research performed with LGR-1, to act as a rigorous scientific benchmark for probiotic microbes, especially for application to women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya I Petrova
- Microbiome Insights and Probiotics Consultancy, Karlovo, Bulgaria.
| | - Gregor Reid
- Canadian Research and Development Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Department of Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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13
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Improvement of Bacterial Vaginosis by Oral Lactobacillus Supplement: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection globally, with a high recurrent rate after antibiotic treatment. Probiotics consumption is known to improve BV with different efficacy among species or strains. After in vitro selection of Lactobacillus strains with growth inhibition and preventing adhesion to HeLa cervical epithelial cells, a randomized and double-blinded trial of two Lactobacillus formula, namely, VGA-1 and VGA-2, in BV patients with Nugent scores of 4–10 was conducted. Among 37 subjects who completed the trial, we observed significantly decreased Nugent scores in both VGA-1 (n = 18) and VGA-2 (n = 19) consumption groups. VGA-1 consumption significantly improved vaginal discharge odor/color and itching at both 2-week and 4-week-consumption, but those only observed after a 4-week-consumption in the VGA-2 group. We also observed a tendency to reduce recurrent rates among enrolled participants after VGA-1 or VGA-2 consumption. The improvement effect of VGA-1/VGA-2 was associated with the significant reduction of interleukin-6 expression after 4-week-consumption and the restoration of normal vaginal microflora by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. In conclusion, VGA-1 or VGA-2 displayed beneficial effects in BV patients, but the VGA-1 formula showed a better efficacy, potentially used for BV intervention.
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Amabebe E, Anumba DOC. Female Gut and Genital Tract Microbiota-Induced Crosstalk and Differential Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Immune Sequelae. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2184. [PMID: 33013918 PMCID: PMC7511578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut and genital tract microbiota of females represent very complex biological ecosystems that are in continuous communication with each other. The crosstalk between these two ecosystems impacts host physiological, immunological and metabolic homeostasis and vice versa. The vaginal microbiota evolved through a continuous translocation of species from the gut to the vagina or through a mother-to-child transfer during delivery. Though the organisms retain their physio-biochemical characteristics while in the vagina, the immune responses elicited by their metabolic by-products appear to be at variance with those in the gut. This has critical implications for the gynecological, reproductive as well as overall wellbeing of the host and by extension her offspring. The homeostatic and immunomodulatory effects of the bacterial fermentation products (short chain fatty acids, SCFAs) in the gut are better understood compared to the genital tract. While gut SCFAs prevent a leakage of bacteria and bacterial products from the gut in to circulation (leaky gut) and consequent systemic inflammation (anti-inflammatory/protective role); they have been shown to exhibit dysbiotic and proinflammatory effects in the genital tract that can lead to unfavorable gynecological and reproductive outcomes. Therefore, this review was conceived to critically examine the correlation between the female gut and genital tract microbiota. Secondly, we explored the metabolic patterns of the respective microbiota niches; and thirdly, we described the diverse effects of products of bacterial fermentation on immunological responses in the vaginal and rectal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Amabebe
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Dilly O C Anumba
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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15
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Decherf A, Dehay E, Boyer M, Clément-Ziza M, Rodriguez B, Legrain-Raspaud S. Recovery of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 in Vaginal Samples of Healthy Women after Oral Administration. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2211. [PMID: 32722250 PMCID: PMC7468903 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis are common causes of impaired health and quality of life for women. Although antimicrobial agents remain the main strategy for the treatment of vaginal infections, their repeated use involves high rates of resistance and recurrence. Alternative approaches such as probiotics are studied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 already demonstrated beneficial effects in experimental models of vaginal infections. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed to evaluate the recovery of S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 in vaginal samples in healthy women after oral consumption. Sixty healthy women were randomized to receive a daily dose of S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 or a placebo for 4 weeks. Subcultures and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect the strain in vaginal and stool samples. A safety assessment was carried out throughout the study. Fifty-seven women completed the study. Over the 4-week supplementation phase, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 has been detected in the vaginal samples of 21% of women (n = 4/19) in the 500 mg Probiotic group and 16% of women (n = 3/19) in the 1000 mg Probiotic group. The strain was detected in the faeces of 90% of women consuming the probiotic. This is the first clinical study demonstrating the migration of yeast from intestine to vagina where it may exert its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Decherf
- Research and Applications Department, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France; (E.D.); (B.R.); (S.L.-R.)
| | - Elodie Dehay
- Research and Applications Department, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France; (E.D.); (B.R.); (S.L.-R.)
| | - Mickaël Boyer
- Microbiology Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Lesaffre International, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France;
| | - Mathieu Clément-Ziza
- Data Science and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Lesaffre International, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France;
| | - Bertrand Rodriguez
- Research and Applications Department, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France; (E.D.); (B.R.); (S.L.-R.)
| | - Sophie Legrain-Raspaud
- Research and Applications Department, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Lesaffre Group, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul, France; (E.D.); (B.R.); (S.L.-R.)
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16
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Gryp T, Glorieux G, Joossens M, Vaneechoutte M. Comparison of five assays for DNA extraction from bacterial cells in human faecal samples. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 129:378-388. [PMID: 32034968 PMCID: PMC7384110 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14608] [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: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim To determine the most effective DNA extraction method for bacteria in faecal samples. Materials and Results This study assessed five commercial methods, that is, NucliSens easyMag, QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit, PureLink Microbiome DNA purification kit, QIAamp PowerFecal DNA kit and RNeasy PowerMicrobiome kit, of which the latter has been optimized for DNA extraction. The DNA quantity and quality were determined using Nanodrop, Qubit and qPCR. The PowerMicrobiome kit recovered the highest DNA concentration, whereby this kit also recovered the highest gene copy number of Gram positives, Gram negatives and total bacteria. Furthermore, the PowerMicrobiome kit in combination with mechanical pre‐treatment (bead beating) and with combined enzymatic and mechanical pre‐treatment (proteinase K+mutanolysin+bead beating) was more effective than without pre‐treatment. Conclusion From the five DNA extraction methods that were compared, the PowerMicrobiome kit, preceded by bead beating, which is standard included, was found to be the most effective DNA extraction method for bacteria in faecal samples. Significance and Impact of the Study The quantity and quality of DNA extracted from human faecal samples is a first important step to optimize molecular methods. Here we have shown that the PowerMicrobiome kit is an effective DNA extraction method for bacterial cells in faecal samples for downstream qPCR purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Gryp
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Molecular Microbiology - Microbiome Research Lab, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Glorieux
- Nephrology Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Joossens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Molecular Microbiology - Microbiome Research Lab, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Vaneechoutte
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Vaneechoutte M, Guschin A, Van Simaey L, Gansemans Y, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Cools P. Emended description of Gardnerella vaginalis and description of Gardnerella leopoldii sp. nov., Gardnerella piotii sp. nov. and Gardnerella swidsinskii sp. nov., with delineation of 13 genomic species within the genus Gardnerella. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:679-687. [PMID: 30648938 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequence analysis (digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity) was carried out for 81 sequenced full genomes of the genus Gardnerella, including ten determined in this study, and indicated the existence of 13 genomic species, of which five consist of only one strain and of which only five contain more than four sequenced genomes. Furthermore, a collection of ten Gardnerella strains, representing the emended species G. vaginalis and the newly described species Gardnerella leopoldii, Gardnerella piotii and Gardnerella swidsinskii, was studied. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS analysis of the protein signatures identified specific peaks that can be used to differentiate these four species. Only strains of G. vaginalis produce β-galactosidase. We emend the description of G. vaginalis (type strain ATCC 14018T=LMG 7832T=CCUG 3717T) and describe the novel species Gardnerella leopoldii sp. nov. (UGent 06.41T=LMG 30814T=CCUG 72425T), Gardnerella piotii sp. nov. (UGent 18.01T=LMG 30818T=CCUG 72427T) and Gardnerella swidsinskii sp. nov. (GS 9838-1T=LMG 30812T=CCUG 72429T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Vaneechoutte
- 1Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Alexander Guschin
- 2Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Epidemiology of Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Leen Van Simaey
- 1Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Flanders, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- 3Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Piet Cools
- 4Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Laue C, Papazova E, Liesegang A, Pannenbeckers A, Arendarski P, Linnerth B, Domig KJ, Kneifel W, Petricevic L, Schrezenmeir J. Effect of a yoghurt drink containing Lactobacillus strains on bacterial vaginosis in women - a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical pilot trial. Benef Microbes 2017; 9:35-50. [PMID: 29065710 DOI: 10.3920/bm2017.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterised by a depletion of lactobacilli in favour of an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. It is associated with increased risk for urogenital infections and abortion. In this study we assessed the effect of a yoghurt drink containing Lactobacillus strains on BV. The strains had been isolated from healthy pregnant women and selected for acidification capacity, production of H2O2, glycogen utilisation, bile salt tolerance and inhibition of pathogens. Using Amsel criteria BV was diagnosed in 36 women aged ≥18 years with stable menstrual cycle or menopause. They were treated with oral metronidazole for 7 days (2×500 mg/d). Starting with the treatment, women consumed twice daily either verum or placebo during 4 weeks. Verum was 125 g yoghurt containing (besides Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) living strains Lactobacillus crispatus LbV 88 (DSM 22566), Lactobacillus gasseri LbV 150N (DSM 22583), Lactobacillus jensenii LbV 116 (DSM 22567) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LbV96 (DSM 22560), each 1×107 cfu/ml; placebo was 125 g chemically acidified milk. After 4 weeks of intervention 0 of 17 had BV in the verum group versus 6 of 17 in the s.a. control (0.018 in Fisher Exact test). Amsel score decreased during the intervention period by 4.0 (median) (4.0; 3.0) (25th; 75th percentile) in the verum group compared to 2.0 (4.0; 0.0) in the control group (P=0.038 in Mann-Whitney test). Discharge and odour (Amsel criteria 2+3) also decreased by 2.0 (2.0; 1.0) in the verum compared to 1.0 (2.0; 0.0) in the control group (P=0.01) and differed after 4 weeks intervention between the groups 0.0 (0.0; 0.0) versus 1.0 (0.0; 2.0) (P=0.001). Nugent score decreased during the intervention period by 5.5 (7.0;2.3) in the verum compared to 3.0 (6.0;0.5) in the control group (P=0.158). Additional intake of yoghurt containing these probiotic strains improved the recovery rate and symptoms of BV and tended to improve the vaginal microbial pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Laue
- 1 Clinical Research Center, Schauenburgerstraβe 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - E Papazova
- 1 Clinical Research Center, Schauenburgerstraβe 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - A Liesegang
- 1 Clinical Research Center, Schauenburgerstraβe 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - A Pannenbeckers
- 1 Clinical Research Center, Schauenburgerstraβe 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - P Arendarski
- 2 LADR, Lauenburger Str. 67, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - B Linnerth
- 3 Dairyfem, Tuchlauben 18/12, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - K J Domig
- 4 Department of Food Science and Technology, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - W Kneifel
- 4 Department of Food Science and Technology, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - L Petricevic
- 5 Department of Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - J Schrezenmeir
- 1 Clinical Research Center, Schauenburgerstraβe 116, 24118 Kiel, Germany.,6 University Medicine, Langenbeckstraβe 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Vaneechoutte M. The human vaginal microbial community. Res Microbiol 2017; 168:811-825. [PMID: 28851670 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Monopolization of the vaginal econiche by a limited number of Lactobacillus species, resulting in low pH of 3.5-4.5, has been shown to protect women against vaginal dysbiosis, sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Still, controversy exists as to which characteristics of lactobacilli are most important with regard to colonization resistance and to providing protection. This review addresses the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory roles of lactic acid (and low pH) and hydrogen peroxide (and oxidative stress) as means of lactobacilli to dominate the vaginal econiche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Ghent University, MRB2, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
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20
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Cools P, Melin P. Group B Streptococcus and perinatal mortality. Res Microbiol 2017; 168:793-801. [PMID: 28435137 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that every year, one million neonatal deaths occur because of neonatal infection. Furthermore, an equal number of stillbirths are thought to be caused by infections. Here we discuss the role of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) in neonatal disease and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Pierrette Melin
- Clinical Microbiology, National Reference Centre for Streptococcus agalactiae, University Hospital of Liège, Faculty of Medicine, Liege University, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Masha SC, Wahome E, Vaneechoutte M, Cools P, Crucitti T, Sanders EJ. High prevalence of curable sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women in a rural county hospital in Kilifi, Kenya. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175166. [PMID: 28362869 PMCID: PMC5375155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women attending antenatal care (ANC) in resource-limited countries are frequently screened for syphilis and HIV, but rarely for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed the prevalence of curable STIs, defined as infection with either Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis, from July to September 2015. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, women attending ANC at the Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya, had a urine sample tested for C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae by GeneXpert® and a vaginal swab for T. vaginalis by culture. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was defined as a Nugent score of 7-10 of the Gram stain of a vaginal smear in combination with self-reported vaginal discharge. Genital ulcers were observed during collection of vaginal swabs. All women responded to questions on socio-demographics and sexual health and clinical symptoms of STIs. Predictors for curable STIs were assessed in multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 42/202 (20.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI):15.4-27.0) women had a curable STI. The prevalence was 14.9% for C. trachomatis (95% CI:10.2-20.5), 1.0% for N. gonorrhoeae (95% CI: 0.1-3.5), 7.4% for T. vaginalis (95% CI:4.2-12.0), 19.3% for BV (95% CI: 14.1-25.4) and 2.5% for genital ulcers (95% CI: 0.8-5.7). Predictors for infection with curable STIs included women with a genital ulcer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 35.0, 95% CI: 2.7-461.6) compared to women without a genital ulcer, women who used water for cleaning after visiting the toilet compared to those who used toilet paper or other solid means (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI:1.5-11.3), women who reported having sexual debut ≤ 17 years compared to women having sexual debut ≥18 years (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.1-6.6), and BV-positive women (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI:1.1-6.6) compared to BV-negative women. CONCLUSION One in five women attending ANC had a curable STI. These infections were associated with genital ulcers, hygiene practices, early sexual debut and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chengo Masha
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pwani University, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Wahome
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piet Cools
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research–Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
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Petricevic L, Kaufmann U, Domig KJ, Kraler M, Marschalek J, Kneifel W, Kiss H. Rectal Lactobacillus species and their influence on the vaginal microflora: a model of male-to-female transsexual women. J Sex Med 2014; 11:2738-43. [PMID: 25146566 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on Lactobacillus species co-colonizing the vagina and rectum, it has been hypothesized that the rectum may be an important reservoir for vaginal colonization by lactobacilli. There are no data on this issue in male-to-female transsexual women. AIM We undertook this observational study to characterize the Lactobacillus species present in the neovagina and rectum of male-to-female transsexual women and to determine the degree of neovaginal-rectal co-colonization in order to gain a better understanding of the potential role of the gut as a reservoir for genital lactobacilli. METHODS Sixty-one male-to-female transsexual women with penile skin lined neovagina without clinical signs of infection were recruited on an ongoing basis from among male-to-female transsexual outpatients. Neovaginal and rectal smears were taken for molecular Lactobacillus species profiling by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Matching Lactobacillus species between neovagina and rectum. RESULTS Forty-three of the 61 male-to-female transsexual women (70.5%) simultaneously harbored the same lactobacilli in both the neovagina and rectum. We found 276 neovaginal and 258 rectal DGGE bands representing 11 Lactobacillus species, with 201 matches of the same Lactobacillus species in neovagina and rectum. 37 of the 61 women (61%) had two or more matching Lactobacillus species. CONCLUSION These data support the hypothesis that the rectum may play an important role as source of Lactobacillus species that colonies neovagina of male-to-female transsexual women. In view of the specific anatomical circumstances of the study population, these findings may be extended to the general population of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljubomir Petricevic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Balashov SV, Mordechai E, Adelson ME, Gygax SE. Identification, quantification and subtyping of Gardnerella vaginalis in noncultured clinical vaginal samples by quantitative PCR. J Med Microbiol 2013; 63:162-175. [PMID: 24200640 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.066407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella vaginalis is an important component of the human vaginal microflora. It is proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal condition. Here we describe the development, validation and comparative analysis of a novel molecular approach capable of G. vaginalis identification, quantification and subtyping in noncultured vaginal specimens. Using two quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, we analysed G. vaginalis bacterial loads and clade distribution in 60 clinical vaginal-swab samples. A very high pathogen prevalence was revealed by species-specific qPCR not only among BV patients (100 %), but also in healthy women (97 %), although the G. vaginalis concentration was significantly lower in non-BV samples. G. vaginalis clades identified in vaginal specimens by subtyping multiplex qPCR, which targets four clade-specific genetic markers, had frequencies of 53 % for clade 1, 25 % for clade 2, 32 % for clade 3 and 83 % for clade 4. Multiple clades were found in 70 % of samples. Single G. vaginalis clades were represented by clade 1 and clade 4 in 28 % of specimens. A positive association with BV was shown for clade 1 and clade 3, while clade 2 was positively associated with intermediate vaginal microflora, but not with BV. Clade 4 demonstrated no correlation with the disorder. The presence of multiple clades had a high positive association with BV, whereas G. vaginalis identified as a single clade was negatively linked with the condition. Polyclonal G. vaginalis infection may be a risk factor for BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Balashov
- Femeris Women's Health Research Center, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L. C., Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Eli Mordechai
- Femeris Women's Health Research Center, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L. C., Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Martin E Adelson
- Femeris Women's Health Research Center, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L. C., Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | - Scott E Gygax
- Femeris Women's Health Research Center, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, L. C., Genesis Biotechnology Group, Hamilton, NJ, USA
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Machado A, Almeida C, Salgueiro D, Henriques A, Vaneechoutte M, Haesebrouck F, Vieira MJ, Rodrigues L, Azevedo NF, Cerca N. Fluorescence in situ Hybridization method using Peptide Nucleic Acid probes for rapid detection of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella spp. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:82. [PMID: 23586331 PMCID: PMC3637831 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection occurring in women of reproductive age. It is widely accepted that the microbial switch from normal microflora to BV is characterized by a decrease in vaginal colonization by Lactobacillus species together with an increase of Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes. Our goal was to develop and optimize a novel Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Fluorescence in situ Hybridization assay (PNA FISH) for the detection of Lactobacillus spp. and G. vaginalis in mixed samples. RESULTS Therefore, we evaluated and validated two specific PNA probes by using 36 representative Lactobacillus strains, 22 representative G. vaginalis strains and 27 other taxonomically related or pathogenic bacterial strains commonly found in vaginal samples. The probes were also tested at different concentrations of G. vaginalis and Lactobacillus species in vitro, in the presence of a HeLa cell line. Specificity and sensitivity of the PNA probes were found to be 98.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), from 87.8 to 99.9%) and 100% (95% CI, from 88.0 to 100.0%), for Lactobacillus spp.; and 100% (95% CI, from 92.8 to 100%) and 100% (95% CI, from 81.5 to 100.0%) for G. vaginalis. Moreover, the probes were evaluated in mixed samples mimicking women with BV or normal vaginal microflora, demonstrating efficiency and applicability of our PNA FISH. CONCLUSIONS This quick method accurately detects Lactobacillus spp. and G. vaginalis species in mixed samples, thus enabling efficient evaluation of the two bacterial groups, most frequently encountered in the vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Machado
- IBB - Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
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25
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Presence of a polymicrobial endometrial biofilm in patients with bacterial vaginosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53997. [PMID: 23320114 PMCID: PMC3540019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the bacterial vaginosis biofilm extends into the upper female genital tract. STUDY DESIGN Endometrial samples obtained during curettage and fallopian tube samples obtained during salpingectomy were collected. Endometrial and fallopian tube samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria with fluorescence-in-situ-hybridisation (FISH) analysis with probes targeting bacterial vaginosis-associated and other bacteria. RESULTS A structured polymicrobial Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm could be detected in part of the endometrial and fallopian tube specimens. Women with bacterial vaginosis had a 50.0% (95% CI 24.0-76.0) risk of presenting with an endometrial Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm. Pregnancy (AOR = 41.5, 95% CI 5.0-341.9, p<0.001) and the presence of bacterial vaginosis (AOR = 23.2, 95% CI 2.6-205.9, p<0.001) were highly predictive of the presence of uterine or fallopian bacterial colonisation when compared to non-pregnant women without bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSION Bacterial vaginosis is frequently associated with the presence of a structured polymicrobial Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm attached to the endometrium. This may have major implications for our understanding of the pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcome in association with bacterial vaginosis.
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Santiago GLDS, Tency I, Verstraelen H, Verhelst R, Trog M, Temmerman M, Vancoillie L, Decat E, Cools P, Vaneechoutte M. Longitudinal qPCR study of the dynamics of L. crispatus, L. iners, A. vaginae, (sialidase positive) G. vaginalis, and P. bivia in the vagina. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45281. [PMID: 23028904 PMCID: PMC3448655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To obtain more detailed understanding of the causes of disturbance of the vaginal microflora (VMF), a longitudinal study was carried out for 17 women during two menstrual cycles. METHODS Vaginal swabs were obtained daily from 17 non-pregnant, menarchal volunteers. For each woman, Gram stains were scored, the quantitative changes of 5 key vaginal species, i.e. Atopobium vaginae, Lactobacillus crispatus, L. iners, (sialidase positive) Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia were quantified with qPCR and hydrogen-peroxide production was assessed on TMB+ agar. RESULTS Women could be divided in 9 subjects with predominantly normal VMF (grades Ia, Ib and Iab, group N) and 8 with predominantly disturbed VMF (grades I-like, II, III and IV, group D). VMF was variable between women, but overall stable for most of the women. Menses were the strongest disturbing factor of the VMF. L. crispatus was present at log7-9 cells/ml in grade Ia, Iab and II VMF, but concentrations declined 100-fold during menses. L. crispatus below log7 cells/ml corresponded with poor H(2)O(2)-production. L. iners was present at log 10 cells/ml in grade Ib, II and III VMF. Sialidase negative G. vaginalis strains (average log5 cells/ml) were detected in grade I, I-like and IV VMF. In grade II VMF, predominantly a mixture of both sialidase negative and positive G. vaginalis strains (average log9 cells/ml) were present, and predominantly sialidase positive strains in grade III VMF. The presence of A. vaginae (average log9 cells/ml) coincided with grade II and III VMF. P. bivia (log4-8 cells/ml) was mostly present in grade III vaginal microflora. L. iners, G. vaginalis, A. vaginae and P. bivia all increased around menses for group N women, and as such L. iners was considered a member of disturbed VMF. CONCLUSIONS This qPCR-based study confirms largely the results of previous culture-based, microscopy-based and pyrosequencing-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Lopes dos Santos Santiago
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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27
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Strus M, Chmielarczyk A, Kochan P, Adamski P, Chełmicki Z, Chełmicki A, Pałucha A, Heczko PB. Studies on the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus mixture given orally on vaginal and rectal colonization and on parameters of vaginal health in women with intermediate vaginal flora. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 163:210-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Martirosian G, Radosz-Komoniewska H, Pietrzak B, Ekiel A, Kamiński P, Aptekorz M, Doleżych H, Samulska E, Jóźwiak J. Characterization of vaginal lactobacilli in women after kidney transplantation. Anaerobe 2011; 18:209-13. [PMID: 22240292 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Limited number of publications described vaginal microflora after kidney transplantation. Our PubMed search revealed only 18 publications including words "vaginal bacteria & kidney transplant" in the period of 1978-2011. The aim of this study was to characterize lactobacilli isolated from vaginal swabs of women after kidney transplantation, compared with healthy women. Eighteen renal transplant recipients (mean age 36.1) and 20 healthy women (mean age 36.0) were evaluated. Lactobacilli were cultured on MRS and Columbia blood agars. Biochemical identification with API 50 CHL (bioMerieux, Marcy L'Etoile, France) and multiplex PCR according to Song et al. was performed. Lactobacilli were tested for production of H(2)O(2). Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of selected antimicrobial agents were determined with E-tests (bioMerieux, Marcy L'Etoile, France) and interpreted with CLSI and EUCAST criteria. No bacterial vaginosis was found among studied women. Two strains of group I were identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii; 18 strains as Lactobacillus gasseri and 15 strains as Lactobacillus crispatus. Only 3 strains from group II were not identified by species-specific mPCR. Group IV was represented with 2 unidentified strains. Vaginal lactobacilli isolated from healthy women represented more homogenous group compared with heterogenous renal transplant recipients. Biochemical identification of lactobacilli by API 50 CHL kits was concordant with mPCR results only in 7 cases (17.5%), all 7 strains were identified as L. crispatus. Majority (93%) of lactobacilli were H(2)O(2) producers. All isolated lactobacilli (100%) demonstrated high resistance to metronidazole (MIC > 256 μg/ml). Only 2 strains resistant to vancomycin (MICs: 32 and 256 μg/ml respectively), in the study and control group, and one to moxifloxacin (MIC = 32 μg/ml), were found. Resistance to metronidazole and vancomycin was concordant in CLSI and EUCAST (2010) criteria. Although significant differences between lactobacilli isolated from vaginas of kidney transplant and healthy women were not demonstrated, we demonstrated strains resistant to metronidazole, vancomycin and moxifloxacin in groups of examined women. Our study was performed on a small group of kidney transplant recipients and further more detailed molecular studies on a larger group of patients are required to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Martirosian
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
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Lagenaur LA, Lee PP, Hamer DH, Sanders-Beer BE. Demonstration of vaginal colonization with GusA-expressing Lactobacillus jensenii following oral delivery in rhesus macaques. Res Microbiol 2011; 162:1006-10. [PMID: 21907793 PMCID: PMC3449312 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome, which harbors beneficial Lactobacillus strains, is believed to be a major host defense mechanism for preventing infections of the urogenital tract. It has been suggested that the gastrointestinal tract serves as a reservoir for lactobacilli that colonize the vagina. Using rhesus macaques, we examined whether oral delivery of human vaginal Lactobacillus jensenii 1153-1646, a GusA-producing strain, would result in colonization of the rectum and the vagina. Lactobacilli were identified from the vagina tracts of three macaques on the basis of β-glucuronidase enzyme production, 16S rRNA gene sequence and DNA homology using a repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel A Lagenaur
- Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg37/Rm6002, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Osel, Inc., 320 Logue Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Peter P Lee
- BIOQUAL, Inc., 9600 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Dean H Hamer
- Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bldg37/Rm6002, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Santiago GLDS, Cools P, Verstraelen H, Trog M, Missine G, El Aila N, Verhelst R, Tency I, Claeys G, Temmerman M, Vaneechoutte M. Longitudinal study of the dynamics of vaginal microflora during two consecutive menstrual cycles. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28180. [PMID: 22140538 PMCID: PMC3227645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although the vaginal microflora (VMF) has been well studied, information on the fluctuation of the different bacterial species throughout the menstrual cycle and the information on events preceding the presence of disturbed VMF is still very limited. Documenting the dynamics of the VMF during the menstrual cycle might provide better insights. In this study, we assessed the presence of different Lactobacillus species in relation to the BV associated species during the menstrual cycle, assessed the influence of the menstrual cycle on the different categories of vaginal microflora and assessed possible causes, such as menstruation and sexual intercourse, of VMF disturbance. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study in which swabs and Gram stains were available for each day of two consecutive menstrual cycles, whereby 8 grades of VMF were distinguished by Gram stain analysis, and whereby the swabs were cultured every 7th day and identification of the bacterial isolates was carried out with a molecular technique. Methods Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained daily from 17 non pregnant, menarchal volunteers, and used for daily Gram staining and weekly culture. Bacterial isolates were identified with tDNA-PCR and 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Nine women presented with predominantly normal VMF and the 8 others had predominantly disturbed VMF. The overall VMF of each volunteer was characteristic and rather stable. Menses and antimicrobials were the major disturbing factors of the VMF. Disturbances were always accompanied by a rise in Gram positive cocci, which also appeared to be a significant group within the VMF in general. Conclusions We observed a huge interindividual variability of predominantly stable VMF types. The importance of Gram positive cocci in VMF is underestimated. L. crispatus was the species that was most negatively affected by the menses, whereas the presence of the other lactobacilli was less variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Lopes Dos Santos Santiago
- Laboratory for Bacteriology Research, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Abstract
In times when human life and quality of life remain threatened by infectious diseases, increasing microbial resistance and a diminished armamentarium of treatments, you might think that the European Commission would urgently seek and encourage alternative approaches. On the contrary, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has created a panel that has ignored good science, over-ridden peer-reviewed medical studies, and seems intent on breaking the back of a validated approach to infectious disease management, namely probiotics. The recent rejection of a simple and quite bland claim related to vaginal health emphasises the travesty of this bureaucracy. Herein, the science fights back and counters the critique of EFSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Reid
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Canadian Research & Development Centre for Probiotics, 268 Grosvenor St., London N6A 4V2 Ontario, Canada
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