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Pelayo P, Hussain FA, Werlang CA, Wu CM, Woolston BM, Xiang CM, Rutt L, France MT, Ravel J, Ribbeck K, Kwon DS, Balskus EP. Prevotella are major contributors of sialidases in the human vaginal microbiome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2400341121. [PMID: 39186657 PMCID: PMC11388281 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2400341121] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated bacterial sialidase activity in the female genital tract is strongly associated with poor health outcomes including preterm birth and bacterial vaginosis (BV). These negative effects may arise from sialidase-mediated degradation of the protective mucus layer in the cervicovaginal environment. Prior biochemical studies of vaginal bacterial sialidases have focused solely on the BV-associated organism Gardnerella vaginalis. Despite their implications for sexual and reproductive health, sialidases from other vaginal bacteria have not been characterized. Here, we show that vaginal Prevotella species produce sialidases that possess variable activity toward mucin substrates. The sequences of sialidase genes and their presence are largely conserved across clades of Prevotella from different geographies, hinting at their importance globally. Finally, we find that Prevotella sialidase genes and transcripts, including those encoding mucin-degrading sialidases from Prevotella timonensis, are highly prevalent and abundant in human vaginal genomes and transcriptomes. Together, our results identify Prevotella as a critical source of sialidases in the vaginal microbiome, improving our understanding of this detrimental bacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Pelayo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Fatima A Hussain
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Caroline A Werlang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Chloe M Wu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Benjamin M Woolston
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Claire M Xiang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Lindsay Rutt
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Michael T France
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Katharina Ribbeck
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Emily P Balskus
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- HHMI, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
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2
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Munch MM, Strenk SM, Srinivasan S, Fiedler TL, Proll S, Fredricks DN. Gardnerella Species and Their Association With Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:e171-e181. [PMID: 39052736 PMCID: PMC11272073 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae026] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition marked by high vaginal bacterial diversity. Gardnerella vaginalis has been implicated in BV but is also detected in healthy women. The Gardnerella genus has been expanded to encompass 6 validly named species and several genomospecies. We hypothesized that particular Gardnerella species may be more associated with BV. METHODS Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed targeting the cpn60 gene of species groups including G. vaginalis, G. piotii/pickettii, G. swidsinskii/greenwoodii, and G. leopoldii. These assays were applied to vaginal swabs from individuals with (n = 101) and without BV (n = 150) attending a sexual health clinic in Seattle, Washington. Weekly swabs were collected from 42 participants for up to 12 weeks. RESULTS Concentrations and prevalence of each Gardnerella species group were significantly higher in participants with BV; 91.1% of BV-positive participants had 3 or more Gardnerella species groups detected compared to 32.0% of BV-negative participants (P < .0001). BV-negative participants with 3 or more species groups detected were more likely to develop BV within 100 days versus those with fewer (60.5% vs 3.7%, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that BV reflects a state of high Gardnerella species diversity. No Gardnerella species group was a specific marker for BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Munch
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan M Strenk
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujatha Srinivasan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tina L Fiedler
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean Proll
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - David N Fredricks
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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3
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Chen L, Li J, Xiao B. The role of sialidases in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis and their use as a promising pharmacological target in bacterial vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367233. [PMID: 38495652 PMCID: PMC10940449 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the genital tract characterized by disturbance of the normally Lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora due to the overgrowth of Gardnerella and other anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis, an anaerobic pathogen and the major pathogen of BV, produces sialidases that cleave terminal sialic acid residues off of human glycans. By desialylation, sialidases not only alter the function of sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates but also play a vital role in the attachment, colonization and spread of many other vaginal pathogens. With known pathogenic effects, excellent performance of sialidase-based diagnostic tests, and promising therapeutic potentials of sialidase inhibitors, sialidases could be used as a biomarker of BV. This review explores the sources of sialidases and their role in vaginal dysbiosis, in aims to better understand their participation in the pathogenesis of BV and their value in the diagnosis and treatment of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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4
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Ye J, Qi X. Vaginal microecology and its role in human papillomavirus infection and human papillomavirus associated cervical lesions. APMIS 2023. [PMID: 37941500 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13356] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The vaginal microecology comprises the vaginal microbiome, immune microenvironment, vaginal anatomy, and the cervicovaginal fluid, which is rich in metabolites, enzymes, and cytokines. Investigating its role in the female reproductive system holds paramount significance. The advent of next-generation sequencing enabled a more profound investigation into the structure of the vaginal microbial community in relation to the female reproductive system. Human papillomavirus infection is prevalent among women of reproductive age, and persistent oncogenic HPV infection is widely recognized as a factor associated with cervical cancer. Extensive previous research has demonstrated that dysbiosis of vaginal microbiota characterized by a reduction in Lactobacillus species, heightens susceptivity to HPV infection, consequently contributing to persistent HPV infection and the progression of cervical lesion. Likewise, HPV infection can exacerbate dysbiosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current literatures and to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the interaction between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, with the intention of offering valuable insights for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Ye
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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5
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Sousa M, Ksiezarek M, Perovic SU, Antunes-Lopes T, Grosso F, Ribeiro TG, Peixe L. Gardnerella pickettii sp. nov. (formerly Gardnerella genomic species 3) and Gardnerella greenwoodii sp. nov. (formerly Gardnerella genomic species 8) isolated from female urinary microbiome. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37921436 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During an ongoing female urinary microbiome research study, strains c17Ua_112T and c31Ua_26T isolated from urine samples of a patient diagnosed with overactive bladder and a healthy postmenopausal woman, respectively, could not be allocated to any Gardnerella species with valid names. In this work, we aimed to characterize these strains. The 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that these strains are members of the genus Gardnerella. Phylogenetic analysis based on cpn60 strongly supported two clades, one encompassing c17Ua_112T and nine other strains from the public database, and the other including c31Ua_26T and three other strains, which were distinct from currently recognized species of the genus Gardnerella. Likewise, the phylogenomic tree also showed that strains c17Ua_112T and c31Ua_26T formed independent and robust clusters. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between c17Ua_112T and c31Ua_26T were 79.27 and 27.4 %, respectively. Strain c17Ua_112T showed the highest ANI (94.8 %) and dDDH values (59.8 %) with Gardnerella piotii UGent 18.01T, and strain c31Ua_26T revealed highest ANI (84.2 %) and dDDH (29.1 %) values with Gardnerella swidsinskii GS 9838-1T. Based on the data presented here, the two strains c17Ua_112T and c31Ua_26T represent two novel species of the genus Gardnerella, for which the names Gardnerella pickettii (c17Ua_112T=DSM 113414T=CCP 71T) and Gardnerella greenwoodii (c31Ua_26T=DSM 113415T=CCP 72T) are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Sousa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Ksiezarek
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Svetlana Ugarcina Perovic
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Filipa Grosso
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves Ribeiro
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Culture Collection of Porto - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (CCP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Peixe
- Associate Laboratory i4HB , Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Culture Collection of Porto - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto (CCP), Porto, Portugal
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Novak J, Belleti R, da Silva Pinto GV, do Nascimento Bolpetti A, da Silva MG, Marconi C. Cervicovaginal Gardnerella sialidase-encoding gene in persistent human papillomavirus infection. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14266. [PMID: 37652960 PMCID: PMC10471596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41469-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbed vaginal microbiota have a role in the persistence of high-oncogenic-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and Gardnerella spp. is closely related with this condition. Such bacteria are the major source of cervicovaginal sialidases, important for microbiota alterations. The sialidase-encoding gene nanH3 is account for their sialidase activity. Thus, a subset of 212 women positive for hrHPV at the first visit were included in the analysis of the current study aiming to compare the loads of nanH3 in cervicovaginal fluid (CFV) of women with persistent hrHPV infection and with those cleared the infection after a year. Participants were assigned to two study groups named "persistence" (n = 124, 53.22%) or "clearance" (n = 88, 37.77%), according to the HPV status upon enrollment and follow-up. Absolute quantification of nanH3 gene was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Persistence and clearance group did not show statistical difference in the load of nanH3 gene (p = 0.19). When considering the subset of women with HPV16, differences in number of copies of nanh3 gene was observed between the persistent (7.39E+08 copies/μL) and clearance group (2.85E+07 copies/μL) (p = 0.007). Therefore, baseline loads of nanH3 gene is increased in women that persist with cervical HPV16 infection after 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Novak
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Belleti
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Márcia Guimarães da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marconi
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Basic Pathology, Sector of Biologic Science, UFPR, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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7
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Shvartsman E, Hill JE, Sandstrom P, MacDonald KS. Gardnerella Revisited: Species Heterogeneity, Virulence Factors, Mucosal Immune Responses, and Contributions to Bacterial Vaginosis. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0039022. [PMID: 37071014 PMCID: PMC10187134 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00390-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella species are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and have been investigated as etiological agents of the condition. Nonetheless, the isolation of this taxon from healthy individuals has raised important questions regarding its etiological role. Recently, using advanced molecular approaches, the Gardnerella genus was expanded to include several different species that exhibit differences in virulence potential. Understanding the significance of these different species with respect to mucosal immunity and the pathogenesis and complications of BV could be crucial to solving the BV enigma. Here, we review key findings regarding the unique genetic and phenotypic diversity within this genus, virulence factors, and effects on mucosal immunity as they stand. We also comment on the relevance of these findings to the proposed role of Gardnerella in BV pathogenesis and in reproductive health and identify key gaps in knowledge that should be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor Shvartsman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Janet E. Hill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Paul Sandstrom
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kelly S. MacDonald
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- JC Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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8
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Belleti R, Marcolino LD, Novak J, Ferreira CST, do Nascimento Bolpetti A, da Silva Pinto GV, de Oliveira AP, da Silva MG, Marconi C. Cervicovaginal loads of Gardnerella spp. are increased in immunocompetent women with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35580018 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Two high-oncogenic-risk human papilomavirus (hrHPV) genotypes - HPV16 and HPV18 - cause most of the cases of cervical cancer worldwide. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with increased hrHPV persistence, although the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Gardnerella spp. are detected in nearly all cases of bacterial vaginosis and are the major source of cervicovaginal sialidases. The NanH1 gene is present in virtually all Gardnerella sialidase-producing strains and has been proposed as a potential marker for persistent hrHPV infection.Hypothesis. Gardnerella spp. load and the NanH1 gene are associated with hrHPV persistence.Aim. To compare the cervicovaginal load of Gardnerella spp. and the frequency of the NanH1 gene between women with persistent HPV16 and/or HPV18 infection and those who cleared the infection after 11 months.Methodology. Among a population of 1638 HPV screened, we detected 104 with positive HPV16 and/or HPV18 results. Samples were obtained at two time points (baseline and at a median of 11 months at follow-up) and tested using the Linear Array HPV Genotyping kit (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA). Based on their HPV16/HPV18 status at enrolment and follow-up, participants were assigned to 'persistence' or 'clearance' groups. We used cervicovaginal fluid samples obtained upon enrolment to determine the load of the 23 s rRNA gene of Gardnerella spp. and the presence of the NanH1 gene using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We compared Gardnerella spp. loads and NanH1 frequency between the groups by, respectively, Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests, with a P-value <0.05 considered to be significant.Results. Of the 104 participants who were positive for HPV16/HPV18, 73 (70.2 %) persisted with at least 1 of the baseline genotypes at follow-up, while 31 (29.8 %) cleared the infection in this time frame. Participants in the persistence group had significantly higher loads of Gardnerella spp. [5.8E+02 (0-3.0E+05) copies µl-1] than those in the clearance group [9.9E+01 (0-7.7E+04) copies µl-1] (P=0.03). The baseline frequency of NanH1 was higher in the persistence' (n=46, 63.0 %) than in the clearance (n=14, 45.2 %) group, although this was not statistically significant (P=0.09).Conclusion. These findings reinforce the negative effect of vaginal microbiota for the clearance of hrHPV and indicate a possible association between sialidase-producing species with hrHPV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Belleti
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Doddi Marcolino
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Novak
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ana Palmeira de Oliveira
- Health Sciences Research Center (CICS-UBI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,Labfit-HPRD: Health Products Research and Development Lda, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Márcia Guimarães da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marconi
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Basic Pathology, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, UFPR, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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9
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Ferreira CST, Marconi C, Parada CMGL, Ravel J, da Silva MG. Sialidase Activity in the Cervicovaginal Fluid Is Associated With Changes in Bacterial Components of Lactobacillus-Deprived Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:813520. [PMID: 35096658 PMCID: PMC8793624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.813520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sialidase activity in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) is associated with microscopic findings of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in vaginal samples has revealed that the majority of microscopic BV cases fit into vaginal community-state type IV (CST IV), which was recently named "molecular-BV." Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterial species, such as Gardnerella spp., may act as sources of CVF sialidases. These hydrolases lead to impairment of local immunity and enable bacterial adhesion to epithelial and biofilm formation. However, the impact of CVL sialidase on microbiota components and diversity remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To assess if CVF sialidase activity is associated with changes in bacterial components of CST IV. METHODS One hundred forty women were cross-sectionally enrolled. The presence of molecular-BV (CST IV) was assessed by V3-V4 16S rRNA sequencing (Illumina). Fluorometric assays were performed using 2-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-N-acetylneuraminic acid (MUAN) for measuring sialidase activity in CVF samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was performed to identify the differently enriched bacterial taxa in molecular-BV according to the status of CVF sialidase activity. RESULTS Forty-four participants (31.4%) had molecular-BV, of which 30 (68.2%) had sialidase activity at detectable levels. A total of 24 bacterial taxa were enriched in the presence of sialidase activity, while just two taxa were enriched in sialidase-negative samples. CONCLUSION Sialidase activity in molecular-BV is associated with changes in bacterial components of the local microbiome. This association should be further investigated, since it may result in diminished local defenses against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Marconi
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.,Department of Basic Pathology, Sector of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cristina M G L Parada
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute of Genomic Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marcia Guimaraes da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
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10
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Turner E, Sobel JD, Akins RA. Prognosis of recurrent bacterial vaginosis based on longitudinal changes in abundance of Lactobacillus and specific species of Gardnerella. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256445. [PMID: 34424942 PMCID: PMC8382169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory responses to standard-of-care oral metronidazole among recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) patients is not rare, and recurrence within a year is common. A better understanding of the bacterial determinants of these outcomes is essential. In this study we ask whether changes in specific species of Gardnerella are associated with poor short or long term clinical outcomes, and if and how resurgence of Lactobacillus species affects these outcomes. We quantify Lactobacillus isolates as a proportion of total vaginal bacteria using the LbRC5 qPCR assay, and 5 prevalent species of Gardnerella using primers that target species-specific polymorphisms within the cpn60 gene. The study includes 43 BV patients: 18 refractory, 16 recurrent, and 11 remission patients, sampled daily for up to two weeks post-treatment; clinical outcomes were tracked for up to 9 months. Persistently high titers of Gardnerella Gsp07 were associated with refractory responses, and persistently low abundance of Gardnerella Gsp07 and G. swidsinskii / G. leopoldii were associated with remission. Lactobacillus species abundance rose in 4-14 days after initiation of treatment in most but not all recurrent and remission patients, although increases were more sustained among remission patients. The findings suggest that Gardnerella Gsp07 and G. swidsinskii / G. leopoldii are markers of poor clinical outcome or may directly or indirectly suppress recovery of Lactobacillus species, thereby interfering with clinical recovery. Therapies that target these strains may improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essence Turner
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jack D. Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Akins
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
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11
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Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella bivia Are Able to Incorporate and Influence Gene Expression in a Pre-Formed Gardnerella vaginalis Biofilm. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020247. [PMID: 33672647 PMCID: PMC7924186 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm on the vaginal epithelium where Gardnerella species presumably play a pivotal role. Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and Prevotella bivia are vaginal pathogens detected during the early stages of incident BV. Herein, we aimed to analyze the impact of A. vaginae and P. bivia on a pre-established G. vaginalis biofilm using a novel in vitro triple-species biofilm model. Total biofilm biomass was determined by the crystal violet method. We also discriminated the bacterial populations in the biofilm and in its planktonic fraction by using PNA FISH. We further analyzed the influence of A. vaginae and P. bivia on the expression of key virulence genes of G. vaginalis by quantitative PCR. In our tested conditions, A. vaginae and P. bivia were able to incorporate into pre-established G. vaginalis biofilms but did not induce an increase in total biofilm biomass, when compared with 48-h G. vaginalis biofilms. However, they were able to significantly influence the expression of HMPREF0424_0821, a gene suggested to be associated with biofilm maintenance in G. vaginalis. This study suggests that microbial relationships between co-infecting bacteria can deeply affect the G. vaginalis biofilm, a crucial marker of BV.
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