1
|
Seña AC, Goldstein LA, Ramirez G, Parish AJ, McClelland RS. Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Association With Incident Trichomonas vaginalis Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:e192-e201. [PMID: 34433796 PMCID: PMC8594503 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with an increased risk for acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections. We evaluated the association between BV and incident Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection in women. METHODS MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for articles published between January 1, 1980, and May 7, 2021. Observational studies in women that evaluated the relationship between having/not having BV and the risk for acquiring TV were included. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review; 12 studies were included in meta-analyses involving 18,424 participants. Most studies used Nugent scoring to diagnose BV. For TV diagnosis, 12 studies used wet mount microscopy or culture, and 2 used nucleic acid amplification tests. There was diversity in the measures of association used, so an overall effect size could not be calculated. The majority of studies reported odds ratios, which showed an increased risk of incident TV among women with BV versus without BV (adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-2.40; P = 0.007). However, there were heterogeneity and potential confounding factors (eg, age, sexual partners) reported among studies. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence for a nearly 2-fold higher risk for acquiring TV among women with BV compared with women without BV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arlene C. Seña
- From the Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Gilbert Ramirez
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Austin J. Parish
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - R. Scott McClelland
- Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Five Percent Monolaurin Vaginal Gel for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2021; 24:277-283. [PMID: 32379102 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that 5% monolaurin vaginal gel, a naturally occurring monoglyceride shown to have antimicrobial effects on vaginal pathogens without affecting Lactobacillus species, cures bacterial vaginosis (BV). MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing 5% monolaurin vaginal gel to vehicle placebo (glycol-based) gel administered twice daily for 3 days. Nonpregnant, nonbreastfeeding women between ages 18 and 50 years were recruited and BV confirmed. Primary outcome was clinical cure assessed by resolution of all 4 Amsel criteria. Secondary outcomes included safety and tolerability assessed by solicited urogenital adverse events. Exploratory outcomes included colony counts for vaginal microbes associated with healthy vaginal flora (Lactobacillus species) and the dysbiosis often associated with BV (Gardnerella species and Mobiluncus species). A 2:1 test article to placebo randomization scheme was planned. RESULTS One hundred nine women participated with 73 randomized to the treatment arm and 36 to the placebo arm. There was no significant difference in clinical cure for BV (p = .42) with 17% of the monolaurin group and 25% of the placebo group achieving clinical cure. Lactobacilli species counts increased in the monolaurin group compared with placebo (1.0 × 10 vs -5.2 × 10). Two thirds of both groups reported solicited urogenital adverse events, but these were mild to moderate with no significant difference between groups (p = .24). CONCLUSIONS Monolaurin was no more clinically or microbiologically effective than placebo in curing BV. Future research should explore whether monolaurin may be used to increase Lactobacilli species.
Collapse
|
3
|
Baldacci F, Baldacci M, Bertini M. Lactobacillus rhamnosus BMX 54 + Lactose, A Symbiotic Long-Lasting Vaginal Approach to Improve Women's Health. Int J Womens Health 2020; 12:1099-1104. [PMID: 33244276 PMCID: PMC7684798 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s259311] [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: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The proposal to restore vaginal microbiota using biotherapeutic agents ended with controversial results. Vaginal microbiota modifications from eubiosis to dysbiosis (desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, “aerobic vaginitis”) and pathobiosis have recently been demonstrated to have a pivotal role in women’s clinical health. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and its related women’s pathology seem to be “the most common vaginal infections” in women; the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended treatment for this pathology: metronidazole, clyndamicin or other well known treatment such as dequalinium chloride, unfortunately, has been demonstrated to fail in control of this infection and especially in its recurrence rates. A long-lasting vaginal approach with a symbiotic drug (Lactobacillus rhamnosus BMX 54 + lactose) (NORMOGIN™) has demonstrated on a large sample of women enrolled in clinical trials (more than 3000 patients) not only to be able to significantly reduce the BV recurrences, after the CDC standard of care administration, but also to control the vaginal pathobiosis pathway, restoring the physiological eubiosis from dysbiosis. These results are really very encouraging and clearly demonstrate that a symbiotic long-lasting vaginal application of a selected Lactobacillus population plus a prebiotic could be helpful if added to the recommended standard of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Baldacci
- R&D Department, Laboratori Baldacci SpA, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Marco Bertini
- R&D Department, Laboratori Baldacci SpA, Pisa 56124, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Prospective Cohort Study of the Association Between Body Mass Index and Incident Bacterial Vaginosis. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 46:31-36. [PMID: 30148757 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Some studies suggest that higher body mass index is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis (BV), but results are conflicting. METHODS Female sex workers aged 16 to 45 years and participating in an open, prospective cohort study in Mombasa, Kenya between 2000 and 2014 were included in this analysis. Up to 2 years of follow-up were included per woman. Body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (≤18.5), normal (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (≥30). Bacterial vaginosis was assessed using Nugent scores. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate relative risks of the association between BMI and BV. RESULTS At baseline, 32.1% (n = 625) of 1946 women had BV. Half of women were overweight (31.1%, n = 606) or obese (20.1%, n = 391). Participants contributed 14,319 follow-up visits. Adjusting for age, compared to women with normal BMI, overweight (adjusted relative risk, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.02) and obese (adjusted relative risk, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.94) women were at lower risk for BV (joint P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Obese women had a nearly 20% lower risk of BV compared with women with normal BMI. Potential mechanisms for this effect, including possible effects of diet, obesity-associated changes in the gut microbiome, and systemic estrogen levels, should be explored.
Collapse
|
5
|
Balkus JE, Carter KA, McClelland RS. Lessons from Suppressive Therapy and Periodic Presumptive Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2019; 21:34. [PMID: 31473820 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-019-0688-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Suppressive therapy and periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) are distinct but related strategies that have been used to reduce the incidence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Here, we review clinical trial evidence of the effectiveness of suppressive therapy and PPT to reduce BV, and discuss their roles for women who frequently experience symptomatic or asymptomatic BV. RECENT FINDINGS Among women who were recently and successfully treated for symptomatic BV, suppressive therapy with twice-weekly metronidazole gel for 16 weeks reduces the likelihood of recurrent symptomatic BV and is currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for prevention of recurrent BV. The premise of PPT is to provide regimens used to treat BV at regular intervals to reduce the overall frequency of BV, regardless of symptoms. Three PPT trials were conducted using different routes (oral or intravaginal), doses, and frequencies of administration. Each trial demonstrated a significant reduction in BV over the course 12 months, ranging from a 10 to 45% decrease. PPT regimens that substantially reduce the frequency of BV over time could be evaluated in clinical trials to assess whether a reduced frequency of BV leads to subsequent reductions in BV-associated sequelae. While both suppressive therapy and PPT reduce BV, their impact wanes following cessation of the regimen. Given the high prevalence of BV globally and burden of adverse reproductive health outcomes among women with BV, there is a critical need for more effective treatments that produce durable shifts in the microbiota towards vaginal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Balkus
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Kayla A Carter
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lee AC, Mullany LC, Quaiyum M, Mitra DK, Labrique A, Christian P, Ahmed P, Uddin J, Rafiqullah I, DasGupta S, Rahman M, Koumans EH, Ahmed S, Saha SK, Baqui AH. Effect of population-based antenatal screening and treatment of genitourinary tract infections on birth outcomes in Sylhet, Bangladesh (MIST): a cluster-randomised clinical trial. Lancet Glob Health 2019; 7:e148-e159. [PMID: 30554751 PMCID: PMC6293967 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30441-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-third of preterm births are attributed to pregnancy infections. We implemented a community-based intervention to screen and treat maternal genitourinary tract infections, with the aim of reducing the incidence of preterm birth. METHODS We did an unblinded cluster-randomised controlled trial in two subdistricts of Sylhet, Bangladesh. Clusters were defined as the contiguous area served by a single community health worker, and each cluster comprised several contiguous villages, contained roughly 4000 people, and had about 120 births per year. Eligible participants within clusters were all ever-married women and girls of reproductive age (ie, aged 15-49 years) who became pregnant during the study period. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention or control groups via a restricted randomisation procedure. In both groups, community health workers made home visits to identify pregnant women and girls and provide antenatal and postnatal care. Between 13 and 19 weeks' gestation, participants in the intervention group received home-based screening for abnormal vaginal flora and urinary tract infections. A random 10% of the control group also received the intervention to examine the similarity of infection prevalence between groups. If present, abnormal vaginal flora (ie, Nugent score ≥4 was treated with oral clindamycin (300 mg twice daily for 5 days) and urinary tract infections with cefixime (400 mg once daily for 3 days) or oral nitrofurantoin (100 mg twice daily for 7 days). Both infections were retreated if persistent. The primary outcome was the incidence of preterm livebirths before 37 weeks' gestation among all livebirths. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01572532. The trial is closed to new participants, with follow-up completed. FINDINGS Between Jan 2, 2012, and July 28, 2015, 9712 pregnancies were enrolled (4840 in the intervention group, 4391 in the control group, and 481 in the control subsample). 3818 livebirths in the intervention group and 3557 livebirths in the control group were included in the primary analysis. In the intervention group, the prevalence of abnormal vaginal flora was 16·3% (95% CI 15·1-17·6) and that of urinary tract infection was 8·6% (7·7-9·5). The effective coverage of successful treatment in the intervention group was 58% in participants with abnormal vaginal flora (ie, abnormal vaginal flora resolved in 361 [58%] of the 622 participants who initially tested positive), and 71% in those with urinary tract infections (ie, resolution in 224 [71%] of the 317 participants who initially tested positive). Overall, the incidence of preterm livebirths before 37 weeks' gestation did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups (21·8% vs 20·6%; relative risk 1·07 [95% CI 0·91-1·24]). INTERPRETATION A population-based antenatal screening and treatment programme for genitourinary tract infections did not reduce the incidence of preterm birth in Bangladesh. FUNDING Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and Saving Lives at Birth Grand Challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cc Lee
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luke C Mullany
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad Quaiyum
- International Center for Diarrheal Diseases-Bangladesh, Center for Reproductive Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Parul Christian
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Parvez Ahmed
- International Center for Diarrheal Diseases-Bangladesh, Center for Reproductive Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jamal Uddin
- Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Iftekhar Rafiqullah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sushil DasGupta
- International Center for Diarrheal Diseases-Bangladesh, Center for Reproductive Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmoodur Rahman
- International Center for Diarrheal Diseases-Bangladesh, Center for Reproductive Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Samir K Saha
- Child Health Research Foundation, Department of Microbiology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV prevention approaches that women can use and control are a priority. Results from topical and oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) HIV prevention trials have produced inconsistent results in women. One of the main behavioural factors impacting effectiveness of PrEP has been suboptimal adherence. In this review, we examine biological factors that modulate topical PrEP efficacy, with particular focus on the vaginal microbiome. RECENT FINDINGS Genital inflammation is an independent risk factor for HIV acquisition in women. Using 16S rRNA sequencing of the vaginal microbiota, anaerobic bacteria linked with bacterial vaginosis have been shown to be associated with both genital inflammation and HIV risk. Using proteomics, it was recently discovered that a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome, comprising less than 50% Lactobacillus spp., directly influenced topical PrEP efficacy. Gardnerella vaginalis, the dominant vaginal species in dysbiotic women, was able to directly degrade tenofovir, but not dapivirine, an antiretroviral also being developed for topical PrEP. SUMMARY The link between bacterial vaginosis-associated organisms with HIV risk and altered tenofovir gel effectiveness underscores the importance of good vaginal health and good adherence for women to benefit maximally from topical PrEP. Altering the vaginal microbiome is one of the new directions being pursued for HIV prevention.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bradshaw CS, Sobel JD. Current Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis-Limitations and Need for Innovation. J Infect Dis 2017; 214 Suppl 1:S14-20. [PMID: 27449869 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Practitioners and patients alike widely recognize the limitations of current therapeutic approaches to the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Options remain extremely limited, and our inability to prevent the frequently, often relentless symptomatic recurrences of BV and to reduce serious sequelae such as preterm delivery, remains an acknowledged but unresolved shortcoming. Our incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of this unique form of vaginal dysbiosis has been a significant impediment to developing optimal treatment and prevention approaches. New drugs have not been forthcoming and are not likely to be available in the immediate future; hence, reliance on the optimal use of available agents has become essential as improvised often unproven regimens are implemented. In this review, we will explore the limitations of currently recommended therapies, with a particular focus on the contribution of reinfection and pathogen persistence to BV recurrence, and the development of interventions that target these mechanisms. Ultimately, to achieve sustained cure and effectiveness against BV-associated sequelae, it is possible that we will need approaches that combine antimicrobials with biofilm-disrupting agents and partner treatments in those at risk of reinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Balkus JE, Srinivasan S, Anzala O, Kimani J, Andac C, Schwebke J, Fredricks DN, McClelland RS. Impact of Periodic Presumptive Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis on the Vaginal Microbiome among Women Participating in the Preventing Vaginal Infections Trial. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:723-731. [PMID: 28007924 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that specific vaginal bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in women. Among women participating in a randomized, double-blinded trial, we assessed the effect of periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) on detection of select vaginal bacteria. Methods High-risk women from the United States and Kenya with a recent vaginal infection received intravaginal metronidazole 750 mg plus miconazole 200 mg or placebo for 5 consecutive nights each month for 12 months. Vaginal fluid specimens were collected via polyester/polyethylene terephthalate swabs every other month and tested for bacteria, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The effect of PPT on bacterium detection was assessed among all participants and stratified by country. Results Of 234 women enrolled, 221 had specimens available for analysis. The proportion of follow-up visits with detectable quantities was lower in the PPT arm versus the placebo arm for the following bacteria: BVAB1, BVAB2, Atopobium vaginae, Leptotrichia/Sneathia, and Megasphaera. The magnitude of reductions was greater among Kenyan participants as compared to US participants. Conclusions Use of monthly PPT for 1 year reduced colonization with several bacteria strongly associated with BV. The role of PPT to improve vaginal health should be considered, and efforts to improve the impact of PPT regimens are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Balkus
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimani
- University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chloe Andac
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jane Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,University of Nairobi Institute for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Djomand G, Gao H, Singa B, Hornston S, Bennett E, Odek J, McClelland RS, John-Stewart G, Bock N. Genital infections and syndromic diagnosis among HIV-infected women in HIV care programmes in Kenya. Int J STD AIDS 2015; 27:19-24. [PMID: 25614522 DOI: 10.1177/0956462415568982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Control of genital infections remains challenging in most regions. Despite advocacy by the World Health Organization for syndromic case management, there are limited data on the syndromic approach, especially in HIV care settings. This study compared the syndromic approach with laboratory diagnosis among women in HIV care in Kenya. A mobile team visited 39 large HIV care programmes in Kenya and enrolled participants using population-proportionate sampling. Participants provided behavioural and clinical data with genital and blood specimens for lab testing. Among 1063 women, 68.4% had been on antiretroviral therapy >1 year; 58.9% were using cotrimoxazole prophylaxis; 51 % had CD4+T-lymphocytes < 350 cells/µL. Most women (63.1%) reported at least one genital symptom. Clinical signs were found in 63% of women; and 30.8% had an aetiological diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis (17.4%), vaginal candidiasis (10.6%) and trichomoniasis (10.5%) were the most common diagnoses. Using laboratory diagnoses as gold standard, sensitivity and positive predictive value of the syndromic diagnosis for vaginal discharge were 47.6% and 52.7%, respectively, indicating a substantial amount of overtreatment. A systematic physical examination increased by 9.3% the positive predictive value for genital ulcer disease. Women attending HIV care programmes in Kenya have high rates of vaginal infections. Syndromic diagnosis was a poor predictor of those infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaston Djomand
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hongjiang Gao
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Benson Singa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Eddas Bennett
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James Odek
- DGHA, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Scott McClelland
- Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naomi Bock
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bacterial vaginosis and the risk of trichomonas vaginalis acquisition among HIV-1-negative women. Sex Transm Dis 2014; 41:123-8. [PMID: 24413493 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiota may play a role in mediating susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, including Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). METHODS Data were analyzed from HIV-1-seronegative women participating in HIV Prevention Trials Network Protocol 035. At quarterly visits for up to 30 months, participants completed structured interviews and specimens were collected for genital tract infection testing. T. vaginalis was detected by saline microscopy. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) was characterized by Gram stain using the Nugent score (BV = 7-10; intermediate = 4-6; normal = 0-3 [reference group]). Cox proportional hazards models stratified by study site were used to assess the association between Nugent score category at the prior quarterly visit and TV acquisition. RESULTS In this secondary analysis, 2920 participants from Malawi, South Africa, United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe contributed 16,259 follow-up visits. Bacterial vaginosis was detected at 5680 (35%) visits, and TV was detected at 400 (2.5%) visits. Adjusting for age, marital status, hormonal contraceptive use, unprotected sex in the last week and TV at baseline, intermediate Nugent score, and BV at the prior visit were associated with an increased risk of TV (intermediate score: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.19; BV: aHR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.92-3.00). Sensitivity analyses excluding 211 participants with TV at baseline were similar to those from the full study population (intermediate score: aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10-2.14; BV: aHR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.75-2.84). CONCLUSIONS Women with a Nugent score higher than 3 were at an increased risk for acquiring TV. If this relationship is causal, interventions that improve the vaginal microbiota could contribute to reductions in TV incidence.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mirmonsef P, Spear GT. The barrier to HIV transmission provided by genital tract Lactobacillus colonization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 71:531-6. [PMID: 24661438 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
While resistance to HIV transmission is due to multiple mechanisms such as the epithelium, a lower genital tract microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus appears to play an important role. This article reviews selected recent research on genital tract microbiota in women including how microbiota impacts HIV resistance and factors affecting Lactobacillus colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paria Mirmonsef
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guédou FA, Van Damme L, Deese J, Crucitti T, Becker M, Mirembe F, Solomon S, Alary M. Behavioural and medical predictors of bacterial vaginosis recurrence among female sex workers: longitudinal analysis from a randomized controlled trial. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:208. [PMID: 23657072 PMCID: PMC3655069 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on risk factors of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) are still scarce. We used data from female sex workers (FSW) participating in a randomized controlled microbicide trial to examine predictors of BV recurrence. Methods Trial’s participants with at least an episode of BV which was treated and/or followed by a negative BV result and at least one subsequent visit offering BV testing were included in the analysis. Behavioural and medical data were collected monthly while laboratory testing for STI and genital tract infections were performed quarterly. The Andersen-Gill proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of BV recurrence both in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results 440 women were included and the incidence rate for RBV was 20.8 recurrences/100 person-months (95% confidence interval (CI) =18.1–23.4). In the multivariate analysis controlling for the study site, recent vaginal cleansing as reported at baseline with adjusted hazard-ratio (aHR)=1.30, 95% CI = 1.02-1.64 increased the risk of BV recurrence, whereas consistent condom use (CCU) with the primary partner (aHR=0.68, 95% CI=0.49-0.93) and vaginal candidiasis (aHR=0.70, 95% CI=0.53-0.93), both treated as time-dependent variables, were associated with decreased risk of RBV. Conclusion This study confirms the importance of counselling high-risk women with RBV about the adverse effects of vaginal cleansing and the protective effects of condom use with all types of partners for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including BV. More prospective studies on risk factors of BV recurrence are warranted. Trial registration Trial registration:
NCT00153777
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernand A Guédou
- URESP, Centre de recherche FQRS du CHU de Québec, Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|