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Lev-Sagie A, Strauss D, Ben Chetrit A. Diagnostic performance of an automated microscopy and pH test for diagnosis of vaginitis. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:66. [PMID: 37055473 PMCID: PMC10102000 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00815-w] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginitis is a common gynecological problem, nevertheless, its clinical evaluation is often insufficient. This study evaluated the performance of an automated microscope for the diagnosis of vaginitis, by comparison of the investigated test results to a composite reference standard (CRS) of wet mount microscopy performed by a specialist in vulvovaginal disorders, and related laboratory tests. During this single-site cross-sectional prospective study, 226 women reporting vaginitis symptoms were recruited, of which 192 samples were found interpretable and were assessed by the automated microscopy system. Results showed sensitivity between 84.1% (95%CI: 73.67-90.86%) for Candida albicans and 90.9% (95%CI: 76.43-96.86%) for bacterial vaginosis and specificity between 65.9% (95%CI: 57.11-73.64%) for Candida albicans and 99.4% (95%CI: 96.89-99.90%) for cytolytic vaginosis. These findings demonstrate the marked potential of machine learning-based automated microscopy and an automated pH test of vaginal swabs as a basis for a computer-aided suggested diagnosis, for improving the first-line evaluation of five different types of infectious and non-infectious vaginal disorders (vaginal atrophy, bacterial vaginosis, Candida albicans vaginitis, cytolytic vaginosis, and aerobic vaginitis/desquamative inflammatory vaginitis). Using such a tool will hopefully lead to better treatment, decrease healthcare costs, and improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Clalit Health Organization, Jerusalem, Israel.
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2
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Lillis RA, Parker RL, Ackerman R, Ackerman J, Young S, Weissfeld A, Trevino E, Nachamkin I, Crane L, Brown J, Huang C, Liu X, Van Der Pol B. Clinical Evaluation of a New Molecular Test for the Detection of Organisms Causing Vaginitis and Vaginosis. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0174822. [PMID: 36853028 PMCID: PMC10035313 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01748-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this prospective, observational, method comparison clinical study, the Xpert Xpress MVP test (MVP) was evaluated using both clinician-collected (CVS) and self-collected vaginal swabs (SVS) collected in a clinical setting. The study was conducted at 12 sites, including point-of-care (POC) settings, from geographically diverse locations in the United States. Participants were biologically female patients ≥ 14 years old with signs and/or symptoms of vaginitis/vaginosis. MVP test results for BV were compared to the BD MAX Vaginal Panel (BDVP). Results for Candida group and Candida glabrata and Candida krusei targets (species not differentiated) were assessed relative to yeast culture followed by mass spectrometry for species identification. Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) results were compared relative to a composite method that included results from the BDVP and InPouch TV culture. The investigational test demonstrated high positive percent agreement ranging from 93.6 to 99.0%, and negative percent agreement ranging from 92.1% to 99.8% for both CVS and SVS specimens, indicating it may be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of vaginitis/vaginosis in laboratory and POC settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Lillis
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - R Lamar Parker
- Unified Women's Clinical Research, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald Ackerman
- Comprehensive Clinical Research, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Jamie Ackerman
- Comprehensive Clinical Research, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Stephen Young
- TriCore Reference Laboratories, University of New Mexico HSC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | | | - Irving Nachamkin
- Perlman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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3
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Dillard LR, Glass EM, Lewis AL, Thomas-White K, Papin JA. Metabolic Network Models of the Gardnerella Pangenome Identify Key Interactions with the Vaginal Environment. mSystems 2023; 8:e0068922. [PMID: 36511689 PMCID: PMC9948698 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00689-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella is the primary pathogenic bacterial genus present in the polymicrobial condition known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Despite BV's high prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the Gardnerella pangenome is largely uncharacterized at both the genetic and functional metabolic levels. Here, we used genome-scale metabolic models to characterize in silico the Gardnerella pangenome metabolic content. We also assessed the metabolic functional capacity in a BV-positive cervicovaginal fluid context. The metabolic capacity varied widely across the pangenome, with 38.15% of all reactions being core to the genus, compared to 49.60% of reactions identified as being unique to a smaller subset of species. We identified 57 essential genes across the pangenome via in silico gene essentiality screens within two simulated vaginal metabolic environments. Four genes, gpsA, fas, suhB, and psd, were identified as core essential genes critical for the metabolic function of all analyzed bacterial species of the Gardnerella genus. Further understanding these core essential metabolic functions could inform novel therapeutic strategies to treat BV. Machine learning applied to simulated metabolic network flux distributions showed limited clustering based on the sample isolation source, which further supports the presence of extensive core metabolic functionality across this genus. These data represent the first metabolic modeling of the Gardnerella pangenome and illustrate strain-specific interactions with the vaginal metabolic environment across the pangenome. IMPORTANCE Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among reproductive-age women. Despite its prevalence and associated chronic and acute women's health impacts, the diverse bacteria involved in BV infection remain poorly characterized. Gardnerella is the genus of bacteria most commonly and most abundantly represented during BV. In this paper, we use metabolic models, which are a computational representation of the possible functional metabolism of an organism, to investigate metabolic conservation, gene essentiality, and pathway utilization across 110 Gardnerella strains. These models allow us to investigate in silico how strains may differ with respect to their metabolic interactions with the vaginal-host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian R. Dillard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Emma M. Glass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California—San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Jason A. Papin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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4
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Thomas-White K, Navarro P, Wever F, King L, Dillard LR, Krapf J. Psychosocial impact of recurrent urogenital infections: a review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231216537. [PMID: 38099456 PMCID: PMC10725120 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231216537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent urogenital infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract infections have a high prevalence and pronounced psychosocial impact. However, no review has compared the psychosocial impacts across infection types. This narrative review discusses the impact of common recurrent urogenital infections on psychosocial aspects, including quality of life, stress, mental health, sexual health, work productivity, race and ethnicity, and satisfaction of medical care. Validated questionnaires show that women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections have decreased scores on all aspects of quality of life. Those with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and urinary tract infections show lower mental health scores compared to the general population, with increased risk of anxiety and depression. Recurrent urogenital infections affect sexual relationships and intimacy, including avoidance due to symptoms or as a method of prevention. Recurrent infections also increase medical cost and negatively affect work productivity, leading to a combined estimated cost of over US$13 billion per year. There are clear effects of racial inequality involving minority populations that affect diagnosis, treatment, prevalence, and reporting of recurrent urogenital infections. Satisfactory medical treatment improves quality of life and mental health in those suffering from these conditions. Research evaluating psychosocial aspects of recurrent urogenital infections is variable and is not comparable across vulvovaginal conditions. Even so, psychosocial factors are important in understanding contribution and consequence of urogenital infections. Education, awareness, normalization, community support, and access to care can help to alleviate the negative implications of recurrent urogenital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lillian R Dillard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jill Krapf
- The Centers for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington, DC, USA
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Li H, Xiao Z, Xing B, Wu S, Wang Y, Liu Z, Zeng Y, Mushi JC, Sun H, Li P. Association between common vaginal and HPV infections and results of cytology test in the Zhoupu District, Shanghai City, China, from 2014 to 2019. Virol J 2022; 19:127. [PMID: 35906702 PMCID: PMC9338504 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01850-x] [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: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HPV (human papillomavirus) is an important cause of cervical cancer. Cervical-vaginal infection with pathogens, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), bacterial vaginosis Trichomonas vaginalis and vaginal candidiasis could be a cofactor. This study aimed to assess the relationship between vaginal infection with HPV genotype and cytology test results and analyze the relationship between vaginal and HPV infections and cervical cancer. Methods We performed a district-based study to elucidate the relationship among the vaginal and HPV infections and cervical cancer. We collected the cervical exfoliation data of 23,724 women admitted to the Shanghai Zhoupu Hospital and received ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and HPV detection between 2014 and 2019. Results Total vaginal infection rate was 5.3%, and the HPV-positive group had a slightly higher vaginal infection rate than the HPV-negative group (P < 0.01). The incidence rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer with vaginal infection was higher than without vaginal infection (P < 0.001). Conclusion HPV/vaginal infection-positive women tended to have abnormal results of TCT. Women with vaginal infection were more likely to develop HPV infection. HSV combined with HPV infection was noted as a causal factor for HSIL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-022-01850-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, No.1500 zhouyuan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Zhengguang Xiao
- Department of Imaging, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1111 Xianxia Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Baoling Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, No.1500 zhouyuan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Suqin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, No.1500 zhouyuan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, No.1500 zhouyuan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, No.1500 zhouyuan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Yanan Zeng
- College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT), University of Dar Es Salaam, 14113, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Cosmas Mushi
- College of Medical Instrumentation, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No.279 Zhouzhu, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201318, China
| | - Hudie Sun
- Sino-European School of Technology, Shanghai University, No.99 Shangda Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ping Li
- College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT), University of Dar Es Salaam, 14113, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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6
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Benedict K, Lyman M, Jackson BR. Possible misdiagnosis, inappropriate empiric treatment, and opportunities for increased diagnostic testing for patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis-United States, 2018. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267866. [PMID: 35482794 PMCID: PMC9049332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common cause of vaginitis, but the national burden is unknown, and clinical diagnosis without diagnostic testing is often inaccurate. We aimed to calculate rates and evaluate diagnosis and treatment practices of VVC and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) in the United States. We used the 2018 IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases, which include health insurance claims data on outpatient visits and prescriptions for >28 million people. We used diagnosis and procedure codes to examine underlying conditions, vaginitis-related symptoms and conditions, diagnostic testing, and antibacterial and antifungal treatment among female patients with VVC. Among 12.3 million female patients in MarketScan, 149,934 (1.2%) had a diagnosis code for VVC; of those, 3.4% had RVVC. The VVC rate was highest in the South census region (14.3 per 1,000 female patients) and lowest in the West (9.9 per 1000). Over 60% of patients with VVC did not have codes for any diagnostic testing, and microscopy was the most common test type performed in 29.5%. Higher rates of diagnostic testing occurred among patients who visited an OB/GYN (53.4%) compared with a family practice or internal medicine provider (24.2%) or other healthcare provider types (31.9%); diagnostic testing rates were lowest in the South (34.0%) and highest in the Midwest (41.0%). Treatments on or in the 7 days after diagnosis included systemic fluconazole (70.0%), topical antifungal medications (19.4%), and systemic antibacterial medications (17.2%). The low frequencies of diagnostic testing for VVC and high rates of antifungal and antibacterial use suggest substantial empiric treatment, including likely overprescribing of antifungal medications and potentially unnecessary antibacterial medications. These findings support a need for improved clinical care for VVC to improve both patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in the South and among non-OB/GYN providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Meghan Lyman
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brendan R. Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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7
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Usyk M, Schlecht NF, Pickering S, Williams L, Sollecito CC, Gradissimo A, Porras C, Safaeian M, Pinto L, Herrero R, Strickler HD, Viswanathan S, Nucci-Sack A, Diaz A, Burk RD. molBV reveals immune landscape of bacterial vaginosis and predicts human papillomavirus infection natural history. Nat Commun 2022; 13:233. [PMID: 35017496 PMCID: PMC8752746 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a highly prevalent condition that is associated with adverse health outcomes. It has been proposed that BV's role as a pathogenic condition is mediated via bacteria-induced inflammation. However, the complex interplay between vaginal microbes and host immune factors has yet to be clearly elucidated. Here, we develop molBV, a 16 S rRNA gene amplicon-based classification pipeline that generates a molecular score and diagnoses BV with the same accuracy as the current gold standard method (i.e., Nugent score). Using 3 confirmatory cohorts we show that molBV is independent of the 16 S rRNA region and generalizable across populations. We use the score in a cohort without clinical BV states, but with measures of HPV infection history and immune markers, to reveal that BV-associated increases in the IL-1β/IP-10 cytokine ratio directly predicts clearance of incident high-risk HPV infection (HR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.19-2.9). Furthermore, we identify an alternate inflammatory BV signature characterized by elevated TNF-α/MIP-1β ratio that is prospectively associated with progression of incident infections to CIN2 + (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.62-5.42). Thus, BV is a heterogeneous condition that activates different arms of the immune response, which in turn are independent risk factors for HR-HPV clearance and progression. Clinical Trial registration number: The CVT trial has been registered under: NCT00128661.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhaylo Usyk
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Nicolas F Schlecht
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Pickering
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - LaShanda Williams
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Christopher C Sollecito
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Ana Gradissimo
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Carolina Porras
- Agencia Costarricense de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Fundación INCIENSA, Costa Rica, USA
| | | | - Ligia Pinto
- HPV Serology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Fredrick, MD, USA
| | - Rolando Herrero
- Agencia Costarricense de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Fundación INCIENSA, Costa Rica, USA
| | - Howard D Strickler
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Shankar Viswanathan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | - Anne Nucci-Sack
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Angela Diaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Manhattan, NY, USA
| | - Robert D Burk
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA.
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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8
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Control of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Staphylococci Associated with Vaginal Infection Using Biosurfactants Derived from Potential Probiotic Bacillus Strain. FERMENTATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation8010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosurfactants exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. They can be used as therapeutic agents and in the fight against infectious diseases. Moreover, the anti-adhesive properties against several pathogens point to the possibility that they might serve as an anti-adhesive coating agent for medical inserts and prevent nosocomial infections, without using synthetic substances. In this study, the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, cell surface hydrophobicity, and antioxidative activities of biosurfactant extracted from Bacillus sp., against four pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus spp. associated with vaginal infection, were studied. Our results have shown that the tested biosurfactant possesses a promising antioxidant potential, and an antibacterial potency against multidrug clinical isolates of Staphylococcus, with an inhibitory diameter ranging between 27 and 37 mm, and a bacterial growth inhibition at an MIC of 1 mg/ mL, obtained. The BioSa3 was highly effective on the biofilm formation of different tested pathogenic strains. Following their treatment by BioSa3, a significant decrease in bacterial attachment (p < 0.05) was justified by the reduction in the optical (from 0.709 to 0.111) following their treatment by BioSa3. The antibiofilm effect can be attributed to its ability to alter the membrane physiology of the tested pathogens to cause a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of over 50% of the surface hydrophobicity. Based on the obtained result of the bioactivities in the current study, BioSa3 is a good candidate in new therapeutics to better control multidrug-resistant bacteria and overcome bacterial biofilm-associated infections by protecting surfaces from microbial contamination.
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9
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Performance of a Vaginal Panel Assay Compared With the Clinical Diagnosis of Vaginitis. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 138:853-859. [PMID: 34736269 PMCID: PMC8594526 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A vaginal panel assay could improve diagnostic accuracy for vaginitis and facilitate appropriate and timely treatment. To compare the performance of vaginitis diagnosis based on clinical assessment to molecular detection of organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and Trichomonas vaginalis using a vaginal panel assay.
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10
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van den Munckhof EHA, van Sitter RL, Lamont RF, le Cessie S, Kuijper EJ, Knetsch CW, Molijn A, Quint WGV, Boers KE, Leverstein-van Hall MA. Developing an algorithm for the diagnosis of abnormal vaginal discharge in a dutch clinical setting: a pilot study. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 101:115431. [PMID: 34153570 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal vaginal discharge may be caused by bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis and/or aerobic vaginitis. For the development of a diagnostic algorithm, tree-based classification analysis was performed on symptoms, signs and bedside test results of 56 patients, and laboratory tests (culture, Nugent score, qPCRs) were compared. Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used as reference test for bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis, culture for vulvovaginal candidiasis and qPCR for trichomoniasis. For bacterial vaginosis, the best diagnostic algorithm was to screen at the bedside with a pH and odour test and if positive, to confirm by qPCR (sensitivity 94%; specificity 97%) rather than Nugent score (sensitivity of 59%; specificity 97%; P = 0.031). The analysis for the other infections was less conclusive due to the low number of patients with these infections. For bacterial vaginosis, the developed algorithm is sensitive, specific, and reduces the need for laboratory tests in 50% of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ronald F Lamont
- Division of Surgery, University College London, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research Campus, London, UK; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Research Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Saskia le Cessie
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anco Molijn
- DDL Diagnostic Laboratory, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Wim G V Quint
- DDL Diagnostic Laboratory, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Kim E Boers
- Department of Gynecology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
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11
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Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Clinically Relevant Candida Species in Postmenopausal Women with Diabetes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7042490. [PMID: 33294451 PMCID: PMC7714583 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7042490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased in Saudi Arabia, which has raised the risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This study highlights the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species among postmenopausal women with diabetes with symptoms of VVC in Taif, a city in Saudi Arabia. Several diagnostic tools were used to differentiate the yeast isolates, including microscopic examination, culture morphology on CHROM agar, further confirmation with the VITEK 2 system, and ITS1 and ITS4 region sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility of the selected Candida species was determined using the VITEK 2 system (bioMérieux Inc., USA). Out of the 550 high vaginal swabs investigated, 86 specimens were Candida species positive (15.6%) with a significant difference according to age; the positivity in the 45–50 years' age group (12%) was higher than that in the 51–55 years' age group (3.6%). Candida albicans was the most common causative agent in 51 samples (59.3%), followed by C. glabrata in 21 samples (24.41%) and C. krusei in 14 samples (16.27%), with no significant differences between the age groups. Three isolates, including two C. albicans and one C. krusei, exhibited resistance against all the tested antifungal agents. CHROM agar and VITEK 2 were accurate phenotypic tools to identify Candida species with 100% sensitivity and specificity and were consistent with the phylogenetic characterization. The data emphasized the importance of identifying Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility among postmenopausal women with diabetes, highlighting the potential risk posed by diabetes in this age group.
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12
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Rapid differential diagnosis of vaginal infections using gold nanoparticles coated with specific antibodies. Med Microbiol Immunol 2019; 208:773-780. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Comparison of Amsel criteria, Nugent score, culture and two CE-IVD marked quantitative real-time PCRs with microbiota analysis for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:959-966. [PMID: 30903536 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common gynaecological condition. Diagnosis of BV is typically based on Amsel criteria, Nugent score and/or bacterial culture. In this study, these conventional methods and two CE-IVD marked quantitative real-time (q)PCR assays were compared with microbiota analysis for the diagnosis of BV. Eighty women were evaluated for BV during two sequential hospital visits by Amsel criteria, Nugent score, culture, the AmpliSens® Florocenosis/Bacterial vaginosis-FRT PCR kit (InterLabService, Moscow, Russia), and the BD MAX™ Vaginal Panel (BD Diagnostics, MD, USA). Microbiota analysis based on amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used as reference test. The microbiota profile of 36/115 (31%) included cases was associated with BV. Based on microbiota analysis, the sensitivity of detecting BV was 38.9% for culture, 61.15% for Amsel criteria, 63.9% for Nugent score and the BD MAX assay, and 80.6% for the AmpliSens assay, while the specificity of all methods was ≥ 92.4%. Microbiota profiles of the cases with discrepant results between microbiota analysis and the diagnostic methods were variable. All five diagnostic methods missed BV positive cases with a relatively high abundance of the genus Alloscardovia, Bifidobacterium, or Dialister, which were categorised as unspecified dysbiosis by the AmpliSens assay. Compared to Amsel criteria, Nugent score, culture, and the BD MAX assay, the AmpliSens assay was most in agreement with microbiota analysis, indicating that currently, the AmpliSens assay may be the best diagnostic method available to diagnose BV in a routine clinical setting.
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Schwebke JR, Gaydos CA, Nyirjesy P, Paradis S, Kodsi S, Cooper CK. Diagnostic Performance of a Molecular Test versus Clinician Assessment of Vaginitis. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:e00252-18. [PMID: 29643195 PMCID: PMC5971525 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00252-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginitis is a common complaint, diagnosed either empirically or using Amsel's criteria and wet mount microscopy. This study sought to determine characteristics of an investigational test (a molecular test for vaginitis), compared to reference, for detection of bacterial vaginosis, Candida spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis Vaginal specimens from a cross-sectional study were obtained from 1,740 women (≥18 years old), with vaginitis symptoms, during routine clinic visits (across 10 sites in the United States). Specimens were analyzed using a commercial PCR/fluorogenic probe-based investigational test that detects bacterial vaginosis, Candida spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis Clinician diagnosis and in-clinic testing (Amsel's test, potassium hydroxide preparation, and wet mount) were also employed to detect the three vaginitis causes. All testing methods were compared to the respective reference methods (Nugent Gram stain for bacterial vaginosis, detection of the Candida gene its2, and Trichomonas vaginalis culture). The investigational test, clinician diagnosis, and in-clinic testing were compared to reference methods for bacterial vaginosis, Candida spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis The investigational test resulted in significantly higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than clinician diagnosis or in-clinic testing. In addition, the investigational test showed a statistically higher overall percent agreement with each of the three reference methods than did clinician diagnosis or in-clinic testing. The investigational test showed significantly higher sensitivity for detecting vaginitis, involving more than one cause, than did clinician diagnosis. Taken together, these results suggest that a molecular investigational test can facilitate accurate detection of vaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane R Schwebke
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Paul Nyirjesy
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sonia Paradis
- Becton, Dickinson and Company, BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Salma Kodsi
- Becton, Dickinson and Company, BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles K Cooper
- Becton, Dickinson and Company, BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, Maryland, USA
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Babu G, Singaravelu BG, Srikumar R, Reddy SV, Kokan A. Comparative Study on the Vaginal Flora and Incidence of Asymptomatic Vaginosis among Healthy Women and in Women with Infertility Problems of Reproductive Age. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:DC18-DC22. [PMID: 28969122 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/28296.10417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The normal vaginal flora is highly complex, dominated by lactobacilli of doderlein that plays a vital role in maintaining the women's health and inhibits other pathogenic microorganisms. Fluctuation in local environment or exposure to any exogenous and endogenous sources changes the vaginal flora over a period of time. Disruption of the vaginal ecosystem changes the microflora of the healthy vagina, altering the pH and predisposing to lower reproductive tract infections. The change in the microflora of the female genital tract by pathogenic organisms may ascend from vagina to upper genital tract and may cause infertility. Although several studies demonstrate a higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in infertile population. The role of vaginal microbiome in infertility is not clear and need to be explored further. AIM To compare the vaginal flora and analyse the incidence of asymptomatic vaginosis among healthy women and in women with infertility problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of six months at Sri Lakshmi Narayana Medical College and Hospital Puducherry, India. A total of 200 high vaginal swabs were collected from Group 1 which included 84 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles without any gynaecological disorder and from Group 2, 116 women with infertility problems attending fertility clinic within the age group of 18 to 45 years. All swabs were subjected to routine aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture. Saline wet mount was performed for the detection of clue cells and Trichomonas vaginalis, 10% KOH was performed for demonstration of budding yeast cells and pseudo hyphae, Gram's staining to determine the presence of yeast cells, leucocytes and bacterial morphotypes. The smear was also graded using Nugent scoring system. RESULTS The vaginal flora of Group 1 was dominated by Lactobacillus (40, 27.8 %) followed by Micrococcus (22, 15.3 %), Enterococcus (16, 11.1%), Coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp. (12, 8.3%). Whereas in Group 2, the most dominant flora was Candida spp. (30, 26.5 %), Enterococcus (26, 23%) followed by Gram negative bacilli such as E. coli (16, 14.1 %). The percentage of Lactobacillus in Group 2 women with infertility problems was relatively low (4, 3.5%). Asymptomatic vaginosis was present in 32 (27.6 %) of Group 2 women compared to Group 1 women were only 6 (7.1%) had asymptomatic vaginosis. CONCLUSION Women with infertility problems showed higher prevalence of asymptomatic vaginosis and abundance of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) associated bacteria compared to healthy women. Hence, this study recommends the screening of vaginal flora as a routine for all women, especially in women undergoing infertility treatment and also suggests the importance of vaginal culture and sensitivity in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geethavani Babu
- Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences, Wayanad, Kerala and Research Scholar, Bharath University, BIHER Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balamuru Ganvelu Singaravelu
- Professor, Department of Microbiology, DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences, Wayanad, Kerala and Research Scholar, Bharath University, BIHER Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Srikumar
- Research Associate, Department of Microbiology, Centre For Research, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Bharath University, Puducherry, India
| | - Sreenivasalu V Reddy
- Professor, Department of Microbiology, Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Afraa Kokan
- Student, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Bharath University, BIHER, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of syndrome diagnosis in the evaluation of vaginitis and to make suggestions based on the review findings. RECENT FINDINGS Vaginal discharge as the main symptom of vaginitis is unspecific. A randomized study of symptom-based diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis in the USA favored symptoms used for treatment; however, this was only a pilot study. Hence, a population-based study is necessary to validate these findings. Most of the study that assessed treatment of vaginitis in pregnancy reported low diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis and a wide range for trichomonas vaginalis reflecting ineffectiveness of syndrome-based treatment in pregnancy. A systematic review of the web for relevant literature was made, and appropriate articles were extracted and reviewed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive values were used, where applicable to determine effectiveness. Forty-three full articles and abstracts were reviewed. Studies that validated or applied WHO algorithm for treatment of vaginitis reported high sensitivity (91.5-100%) but moderate to low specificity (0-27.5%) among women with vaginal symptoms. Studies that focused on symptoms for diagnosis of the three main etiologic agents of vaginitis reported low sensitivity and specificity, while such studies in pregnancy reported sensitivity and specificity ranging from 35.4 to 54% for TV, 11 to 100% for BV, and 0 to 56.2% for trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal candidiasis, respectively. Studies that added point of care test reported higher sensitivity and specificity and positive predictive value. The use of WHO syndrome-based algorithm or its modification for treatment of vaginitis though moderately effective has the potential for overtreatment and physician error. Point of care testing and laboratory investigation are essential for productive intervention especially in pregnancy.
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Rumyantseva T, Shipitsyna E, Guschin A, Unemo M. Evaluation and subsequent optimizations of the quantitative AmpliSens Florocenosis/Bacterial vaginosis-FRT multiplex real-time PCR assay for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. APMIS 2016; 124:1099-1108. [PMID: 27714844 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Traditional microscopy-based methods for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) are underutilized in many settings, and molecular techniques may provide opportunities for rapid, objective, and accurate BV diagnosis. This study evaluated the quantitative AmpliSens Florocenosis/Bacterial vaginosis-FRT multiplex real-time PCR (Florocenosis-BV) assay. Vaginal samples from a previous study including unselected female subjects (n = 163) and using Amsel criteria and 454 pyrosequencing for BV diagnosis were examined with the Florocenosis-BV test and additionally tested for the presence and quantity of Gardnerella vaginalis clades 3 and 4. The Florocenosis-BV assay demonstrated 100% and 98% sensitivity compared with the Amsel criteria and 454 pyrosequencing, respectively, with 91% specificity. The modified Florocenosis-BV assay (detecting also G. vaginalis clades 3 and 4) resulted in 100% sensitivity vs the Amsel criteria and 454 pyrosequencing with specificity of 86% and 88%, respectively. Further optimizations of thresholds for the quantitative parameters used in the kit resulted in 99-100% accuracy vs Amsel criteria and 454 pyrosequencing for selected parameters. The Florocenosis-BV assay is an objective, accurate, sensitive, and specific method for BV diagnosis; however, the performance of the test can be further improved with some minor optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Shipitsyna
- Laboratory of Microbiology, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductology, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Magnus Unemo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Dermendzhiev T, Hadzhieva K, Dermendzhiev S, Murdjeva M. Analysis of clinical and microbiological indicators of vulvovaginal candidiasis. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2016.1232603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tihomir Dermendzhiev
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kristina Hadzhieva
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital UMHAT “St. George” , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Svetlan Dermendzhiev
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marianna Murdjeva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv , Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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20
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McCarthy MW, Walsh TJ. PCR methodology and applications for the detection of human fungal pathogens. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:1025-36. [PMID: 27484841 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2016.1219253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as a promising technology for the rapid and reliable detection and identification of medical mycoses. Recent technological advancements - including microarray, multiplex PCR with magnetic resonance, and beacon probes - have mitigated the technical difficulties of performing nucleic amplification in fungi, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of PCR-based assays. In this paper, we examine current applications of PCR in the diagnosis of human fungal infections and look ahead to emerging techniques that may play a larger role in molecular diagnostics in the future. AREAS COVERED This review includes a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of PCR using various clinical specimens, manual versus automated DNA extraction procedures, panfungal versus specific targets, and spectrum of pathogens detected. This is followed by a brief synopsis of species-specific PCR approaches and a more in-depth look at the obstacles to widespread implementation. Expert commentary: The review concludes with a short perspective for the next five years, including the hurdles to standardization and validation, as well as the role of PCR coupled with electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) or nuclear magnetic resonance for the diagnosis of medical mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew William McCarthy
- a Hospital Medicine , Joan and Sanford I Weill Medical College of Cornell University Ringgold Standard Institution , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- b Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program , Weill Cornell Medical Center , New York , NY , USA
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21
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Tellapragada C, Eshwara VK, Bhat P, Kamath A, Aletty S, Mukhopadhyay C. Screening of vulvovaginal infections during pregnancy in resource constrained settings: Implications on preterm delivery. J Infect Public Health 2016; 10:431-437. [PMID: 27422139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of clinical and microbiological investigations available in limited resource settings for an effective diagnosis of vaginal infections/abnormal vaginal microbiota among pregnant women. As an outcome of the study we intended to find the association of various vaginal infections during pregnancy with preterm delivery. Pregnant women presenting for routine antenatal care at an antenatal clinic in south India were enrolled in the study. Each participant underwent clinical and microbiological examinations for the diagnosis of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and trichomoniasis. In addition, Gram's stained high-vaginal smears were evaluated for the presence of partial BV and vaginitis. Diagnostic accuracies of clinical diagnosis for the aforementioned infections was determined in comparison with gold standard microbiological diagnosis. Proportion of women with vulvovaginal infections were estimated using descriptive statistics and incidence risk ratio for preterm delivery with each form of the infection was estimated using univariate analysis. A total of 790 pregnant women were recruited in the study. Positive predictive values of clinical diagnosis for BV, VVC and Trichomoniasis in comparison with reference method were 72.7, 33.5 and 37.6% respectively. Partial BV (3.2%) and vaginitis due to mixed bacterial etiology (9.4%) were per exclusionem diagnosed using the microbiological smear examination. Microbiological diagnosis of BV and vaginitis were found to have a statistically significant association with preterm delivery. Effective diagnosis of vaginal infections/abnormal vaginal microbiota associated with preterm delivery can be achieved by the adjunct of microbiological smear examination of the vaginal smears to the clinical examination in limited resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Tellapragada
- Directorate of Research (Health Sciences), Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576014, India
| | - Vandana K Eshwara
- Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| | - Parvati Bhat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Asha Kamath
- Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Sandhya Aletty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
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Bilardi J, Walker S, McNair R, Mooney-Somers J, Temple-Smith M, Bellhouse C, Fairley C, Chen M, Bradshaw C. Women's Management of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis and Experiences of Clinical Care: A Qualitative Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151794. [PMID: 27010725 PMCID: PMC4807032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available on how women manage recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV) and their experiences of the clinical care of this condition. This study aimed to explore women's recurrent BV management approaches and clinical care experiences, with a view to informing and improving the clinical management of BV. METHODS A descriptive, social constructionist approach was chosen as the framework for the study. Thirty-five women of varying sexual orientation who had experienced recurrent BV in the past 5 years took part in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS The majority of women reported frustration and dissatisfaction with current treatment regimens and low levels of satisfaction with the clinical management of BV. Overall, women disliked taking antibiotics regularly, commonly experienced adverse side effects from treatment and felt frustrated at having symptoms recur quite quickly after treatment. Issues in clinical care included inconsistency in advice, misdiagnosis and inappropriate diagnostic approaches and insensitive or dismissive attitudes. Women were more inclined to report positive clinical experiences with sexual health physicians than primary care providers. Women's frustrations led most to try their own self-help remedies and lifestyle modifications in an attempt to treat symptoms and prevent recurrences, including well-known risk practices such as douching. CONCLUSION In the face of considerable uncertainty about the cause of BV, high rates of recurrence, unacceptable treatment options and often insensitive and inconsistent clinical management, women are trying their own self-help remedies and lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrences, often with little effect. Clinical management of BV could be improved through the use of standardised diagnostic approaches, increased sensitivity and understanding of the impact of BV, and the provision of evidence based advice about known BV related risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Bilardi
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandra Walker
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruth McNair
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie Mooney-Somers
- Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Meredith Temple-Smith
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clare Bellhouse
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Chen
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Machado A, Cerca N. Influence of Biofilm Formation by Gardnerella vaginalis and Other Anaerobes on Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:1856-61. [PMID: 26080369 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the worldwide leading vaginal disorder among women of reproductive age. BV is characterized by the replacement of beneficial lactobacilli and the augmentation of anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella vaginalis is a predominant bacterial species, but BV is also associated with other numerous anaerobes, such as Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus mulieris, Prevotella bivia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Peptoniphilus species. Currently, the role of G. vaginalis in the etiology of BV remains a matter of controversy. However, it is known that, in patients with BV, a biofilm is usually formed on the vaginal epithelium and that G. vaginalis is typically the predominant species. So, the current paradigm is that the establishment of a biofilm plays a key role in the pathogenesis of BV. This review provides background on the influence of biofilm formation by G. vaginalis and other anaerobes, from the time of their initial adhesion until biofilm formation, in the polymicrobial etiology of BV and discusses the commensal and synergic interactions established between them to understand the phenotypic shift of G. vaginalis biofilm formation to BV establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Machado
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, Ecuador
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Sobel JD, Akins RA. The Role of PCR in the Diagnosis of Candida Vulvovaginitis-a New Gold Standard? Curr Infect Dis Rep 2015; 17:488. [PMID: 26003471 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-015-0488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PCR is recognized as a reliable technique for detection of all types of microorganisms. Being highly objective and reproducible also sensitive and specific, PCR is now widely used for sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis. Potential, however, exists for detecting non-pathogens, and not identifying a pathogenic state decreases specificity or clinical significance. PCR Candida tests of vaginal specimens are now widely available and frequently used offering a modest to moderate increase in sensitivity and are likely to replace traditional culture and DNA homology testing. Nevertheless, there remain considerable gaps in our knowledge regarding the usefulness and applications of these expensive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,
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25
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Redelinghuys MJ, Ehlers MM, Dreyer AW, Kock MM. Normal flora and bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy: an overview. Crit Rev Microbiol 2015; 42:352-63. [DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2014.954522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Machado A, Castro J, Cereija T, Almeida C, Cerca N. Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by a new multiplex peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method. PeerJ 2015; 3:e780. [PMID: 25737820 PMCID: PMC4338769 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of most common vaginal infections. However, its diagnosis by classical methods reveals low specificity. Our goal was to evaluate the accuracy diagnosis of 150 vaginal samples with research gold standard methods and our Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) methodology. Also, we described the first PNA-FISH methodology for BV diagnosis, which provides results in approximately 3 h. The results showed a sensitivity of 84.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), from 64.3 to 95.0%) and a specificity of 97.6% (95% CI [92.6-99.4%]), demonstrating the higher specificity of the PNA-FISH method and showing false positive results in BV diagnosis commonly obtained by the classical methods. This methodology combines the specificity of PNA probes for Lactobacillus species and G. vaginalis visualization and the calculation of the microscopic field by Nugent score, allowing a trustful evaluation of the bacteria present in vaginal microflora and avoiding the occurrence of misleading diagnostics. Therefore, the PNA-FISH methodology represents a valuable alternative for BV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- António Machado
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Tatiana Cereija
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, LIBRO-Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho , Campus de Gualtar, Braga , Portugal
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27
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Kovachev SM. Obstetric and gynecological diseases and complications resulting from vaginal dysbacteriosis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 68:173-184. [PMID: 24711012 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0414-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Accurate knowledge of the composition and ecology of vaginal microbial environment of a healthy woman is necessary for the understanding of normal flora and how to reduce the risk for diseases. Vagina and its microflora form a balanced ecosystem in which dominated bacteria are vaginal lactobacilli. There are dynamic changes in this ecosystem having structure and composition depending on many factors. The term dysbacteriosis defines any movement outside the normal range for the given biotope of obligate and/or facultative microflora. Such a change in the quantity and quality of the respective microbial balance is fraught with danger and requires correction and recovery. The purpose of this overview is to examine obstetric and gynecological diseases that can cause vaginal impaired microbial balance. Vaginal dysbacteriosis is a cause, predecessor, and often also consequence of vaginal infections. In essence, any vaginal infection can be seen as dysbacteriosis, developed to the most severe extent. Here, there is a dominant microorganism other than lactic acid bacteria in the vagina (clinically manifested or not, respectively), depletion of defense mechanisms of the vagina associated with the shift of lactobacilli from their dominant role in the vaginal balance, decrease in their number and species diversity, and a resulting change in the healthy status of the vagina. Vaginal dysbacteriosis can be found in pathogenetic mechanism, whereby many obstetric and gynecological diseases develop. Most of these diseases lead directly to increased maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, so it is important to understand the reasons for them and the arrangements for their prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Miladinov Kovachev
- Department of Gynecology, Military Medical Academy, "P.U.Todorov" bul. bl. No. 5, entr. B, fl. No. 25, 1404, Sofia, Bulgaria,
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Africa CWJ, Nel J, Stemmet M. Anaerobes and bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy: virulence factors contributing to vaginal colonisation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:6979-7000. [PMID: 25014248 PMCID: PMC4113856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110706979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology and pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is unclear but it appears to be associated with factors that disrupt the normal acidity of the vagina thus altering the equilibrium between the normal vaginal microbiota. BV has serious implications for female morbidity, including reports of pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and infertility. This paper reviewed new available information regarding possible factors contributing to the establishment of the BV vaginal biofilm, examined the proposed role of anaerobic microbial species recently detected by new culture-independent methods and discusses developments related to the effects of BV on human pregnancy. The literature search included Pubmed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Because of the complexity and diversity of population groups, diagnosis and methodology used, no meta-analysis was performed. Several anaerobic microbial species previously missed in the laboratory diagnosis of BV have been revealed while taking cognisance of newly proposed theories of infection, thereby improving our understanding and knowledge of the complex aetiology and pathogenesis of BV and its perceived role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene W J Africa
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Janske Nel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Megan Stemmet
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Chapin K, Andrea S. APTIMA®Trichomonas vaginalis, a transcription-mediated amplification assay for detection ofTrichomonas vaginalisin urogenital specimens. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 11:679-88. [DOI: 10.1586/erm.11.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and infertility. Diagnosis of BV should be rapid, reliable and safe. This is especially vital in pregnant women where intervention may be necessary for the well-being of both the mother and the foetus. AREAS COVERED This paper consulted PUBMED, LISTA and Web of Science for point-of-care and laboratory-based tests commonly used for the diagnosis and management of BV in pregnant women. An overview of strengths and weaknesses of the methods used may partially explain why treatment plans have failed. Differences in sampling and detection methods, time of gestation, inter-examiner variability and interpretation of data, and the use of different reference tests, amongst many other factors, complicated a meta-analysis of the data. EXPERT OPINION Inconsistencies found in clinical and laboratory detection methods used for the monitoring of treatment have a direct impact on success rates. With current advances in technology, the diagnosis of BV is taking on a new perspective. New information implicating specific vaginal biofilms in adverse pregnancy outcomes through the application of advanced technology promises to change the way we view the aetiology, diagnosis and management of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene W J Africa
- University of the Western Cape, Department of Medical Biosciences, Life Sciences Building, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Epidemiologic features of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis among reproductive-age women in India. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2012; 2012:859071. [PMID: 23118494 PMCID: PMC3478712 DOI: 10.1155/2012/859071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Revised: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is characterized by curd-like vaginal discharge and itching, and is associated with considerable health and economic costs. Materials and Methods. We examined the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for vulvovaginal candidiasis among a cohort of 898 women in south India. Participants completed three study visits over six months, comprised of a structured interview and a pelvic examination. Results. The positive predictive values for diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis using individual signs or symptoms were low (<19%). We did not find strong evidence for associations between sociodemographic characteristics and the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Women clinically diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis had a higher prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (Prevalence 12%, 95% CI 8.2, 15.8) compared to women assessed to be negative for bacterial vaginosis (Prevalence 6.5%, 95% 5.3, 7.6); however, differences in the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis were not observed by the presence or absence of laboratory-confirmed bacterial vaginosis. Conclusions. For correct diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis, laboratory confirmation of infection with Candida is necessary as well as assessment of whether the discharge has been caused by bacterial vaginosis. Studies are needed of women infected with Candida yeast species to determine the risk factors for yeast's overgrowth.
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Susceptibility of Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms to natural antimicrobials subtilosin, ε-poly-L-lysine, and lauramide arginine ethyl ester. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2012; 2012:284762. [PMID: 23024575 PMCID: PMC3457663 DOI: 10.1155/2012/284762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 08/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection associated with numerous gynecological and obstetric complications. This condition is characterized by the presence of thick adherent vaginal biofilms, composed mainly of Gardnerella vaginalis. This organism is thought to be the primary aetiological cause of the infection paving the way for various opportunists to colonize the niche. Previously, we reported that the natural antimicrobials subtilosin, ε-poly-L-lysine, and lauramide arginine ethyl ester selectively inhibit the growth of this pathogen. In this study, we used plate counts to evaluate the efficacy of these antimicrobials against established biofilms of G. vaginalis. Additionally, we validated and compared two rapid methods (ATP viability and resazurin assays) for the assessment of cell viability in the antimicrobial-treated G. vaginalis biofilms. Out of the tested antimicrobials, lauramide arginine ethyl ester had the strongest bactericidal effect, followed by subtilosin, with clindamycin and polylysine showing the weakest effect. In comparison to plate counts, ATP viability and resazurin assays considerably underestimated the bactericidal effect of some antimicrobials. Our results indicate that these assays should be validated for every new application.
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Ilkit M, Guzel AB. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidosis: A mycological perspective. Crit Rev Microbiol 2011; 37:250-61. [DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2011.576332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age. This condition is notorious for causing severe complications related to the reproductive health of women. Five decades of intense research established many risk factors for acquisition of BV; however, because of the complexity of BV and lack of a reliable animal model for this condition, its exact aetiology remains elusive. In this manuscript, we use a historical perspective to critically review the development of major theories on the aetiology of BV, ultimately implicating BV-related pathogens, healthy vaginal microbiota, bacteriophages and the immune response of the host. None of these theories on their own can reliably explain the epidemiological data. Instead, BV is caused by a complex interaction of multiple factors, which include the numerous components of the vaginal microbial ecosystem and their human host. Many of these factors are yet to be characterized because a clear understanding of their relative contribution to the aetiology of BV is pivotal to the formulation of an effective treatment for and prophylaxis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Turovskiy
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Levi AW, Harigopal M, Hui P, Schofield K, Chhieng DC. Comparison of Affirm VPIII and Papanicolaou tests in the detection of infectious vaginitis. Am J Clin Pathol 2011; 135:442-7. [PMID: 21350100 DOI: 10.1309/ajcp7tbn5vzuglzu] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare the Affirm VPIII molecular test (Becton Dickinson, Burlington, NC) with morphologic identification used in routine Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening in the detection and identification of Candida species, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis, we identified 431 cases with a concomitant Pap test and Affirm VPIII assay performed from the archives of a large academic institution. The study population consisted of women ranging in age from 17 to 79 years (mean and median ages, 33 and 31 years, respectively). With a routine Pap test, 60 patients (13.9%) were found to have bacterial vaginosis, 60 (13.9%) candidiasis, and 3 (0.7%) Trichomonas infection. With the Affirm VPIII assay, 183 (42.5%) patients tested positive for G vaginalis, 70 (16.2%) positive for Candida species, and 10 (2.3%) positive for T vaginalis. The differences were statistically significant. The results demonstrate that our patient population had a high incidence of bacterial vaginosis/Candida vaginitis; however, the Affirm VPIII was a more sensitive diagnostic test for the detection and identification of all 3 organisms compared with the Pap test.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pei Hui
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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In vitro activity of nifuratel on vaginal bacteria: could it be a good candidate for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis? Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:2490-2. [PMID: 21321147 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01623-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a shift of the physiological flora to a diverse spectrum of bacteria, where Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae are the most important markers. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of nifuratel against G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, and lactobacilli was compared with that of the two currently used antibiotics metronidazole and clindamycin. Results suggest that nifuratel has a better spectrum of activity, being highly active against G. vaginalis and A. vaginae without affecting lactobacilli.
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Comparison of Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis transcription-mediated amplification assay and BD affirm VPIII for detection of T. vaginalis in symptomatic women: performance parameters and epidemiological implications. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:866-9. [PMID: 21248097 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02367-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an underestimated sexually transmitted infection (STI) associated with numerous clinical sequelae. The true prevalence and clinical impact of trichomoniasis are unknown, as current methods of detection exhibit poor sensitivity compared to molecular amplification methods. Limited data exist comparing the BD Affirm VPIII hybridization assay to the Gen-Probe Aptima T. vaginalis (ATV) transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay for detection of T. vaginalis. In this study, specimens from 766 patients were evaluated. Specimens were retrieved consecutively from patients with vaginal complaints and/or with histories suggestive of STI. Study inclusion was dependent upon the request for and collection of both a vaginal swab for Affirm and a specimen for Aptima Combo 2 by the health care provider during the same office visit. Affirm was performed using the specific collection swab and the transport provided for the test. The ATV assay was performed on remnant Aptima Combo 2 specimens. A second ATV TMA assay, utilizing an alternate T. vaginalis primer and probe set, was performed on all specimens positive by the initial TMA and/or the Affirm assay. Infected-patient status was defined as positive T. vaginalis test results by at least 2 assays. Overall, 5.1% of subjects were positive for T. vaginalis. T. vaginalis was most prevalent in women who were 36 to 45 (11.9%), 51 to 60 (7.7%), and 16 to 25 (4.2%) years of age. The ATV assay was statistically more sensitive than the Affirm assay (100% versus 63.4%, P < 0.0001), identifying 36.6% more positive patients.
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Gondo F, da Silva MG, Polettini J, Tristao ADR, Peracoli JC, Witkin SS, Rudge MVC. Vaginal flora alterations and clinical symptoms in low-risk pregnant women. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2010; 71:158-62. [PMID: 21160139 DOI: 10.1159/000316051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate associations between alterations in vaginal flora and clinical symptoms in low-risk pregnant women. METHODS Vaginal specimens from 245 pregnant women were analyzed by microscopy for vaginal flora. Signs and symptoms of vaginal infection were determined by patient interviews and gynecologic examinations. RESULTS Abnormal vaginal flora was identified in 45.7% of the subjects. The final clinical diagnoses were bacterial vaginosis (21.6%), vaginal candidosis (10.2%), intermediate vaginal flora (5.2%), aerobic vaginitis (2.9%), mixed flora (2.9%) and other abnormal findings (2.9%). The percentage of women with or without clinical signs or symptoms was not significantly different between these categories. The presence of vaginal odor or vaginal discharge characteristics was not diagnostic of any specific flora alteration; pruritus was highly associated with candidosis (p < 0.0001). Compared to women with normal flora, pruritus was more prevalent in women with candidosis (p < 0.0001), while vaginal odor was associated with bacterial vaginosis (p = 0.0026). CONCLUSION The prevalence of atypical vaginal flora is common in our low-risk pregnant population and is not always associated with pathology. The occurrence of specific signs or symptoms does not always discriminate between women with different types of atypical vaginal flora or between those with abnormal and normal vaginal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Gondo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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Esim Buyukbayrak E, Kars B, Karsidag AYK, Karadeniz BI, Kaymaz O, Gencer S, Pirimoglu ZM, Unal O, Turan MC. Diagnosis of vulvovaginitis: comparison of clinical and microbiological diagnosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2010; 282:515-9. [PMID: 20461391 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-010-1498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to compare the current diagnostic clinical and laboratory approaches to women with vulvovaginal discharge complaint. The secondary outcomes were to determine the prevalence of infections in our setting and to look for the relation between vulvovaginal infections and predisposing factors if present. METHOD Premenopausal women applying to our gynecology outpatient clinic with vaginal discharge complaint were enrolled prospectively into the study. Each patient evaluated clinically with direct observation of vaginal secretions, wet mount examination, whiff test, vaginal pH testing and chlamydia rapid antigen test. Each patient also evaluated microbiologically with vaginal discharge culture and gram staining. Clinical diagnosis was compared with the microbiological diagnosis (the gold standard). Diagnostic accuracy was measured with sensitivity, specificity, positive (ppv) and negative predictive values (npv). RESULTS 460 patients were included in the study. 89.8% of patients received a clinical diagnosis whereas only 36% of them had microbiological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, ppv, npv of clinical diagnosis over microbiological culture results were 95, 13, 38, 82%, respectively. The most commonly encountered microorganisms by culture were Candida species (17.4%) and Gardnerella vaginalis (10.2%). Clinically, the most commonly made diagnoses were mixed infection (34.1%), bacterial vaginosis (32.4%) and fungal infection (14.1%). Symptoms did not predict laboratory results. Predisposing factors (DM, vaginal douching practice, presence of IUD and usage of oral contraceptive pills) were not found to be statistically important influencing factors for vaginal infections. CONCLUSION Clinical diagnosis based on combining symptoms with office-based testing improves diagnostic accuracy but is insufficient. The most effective approach also incorporates laboratory testing as an adjunct when a diagnosis is in question or treatment is failing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Esim Buyukbayrak
- Department of Gynecology, Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Sobel JD, Hay P. Diagnostic techniques for bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis – requirement for a simple differential test. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 4:333-41. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2010.488688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Ryan-Wenger NA, Neal JL, Jones AS, Lowe NK. Accuracy of vaginal symptom self-diagnosis algorithms for deployed military women. Nurs Res 2010; 59:2-10. [PMID: 20010039 PMCID: PMC2902763 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0b013e3181c3b9dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deployed military women have an increased risk for development of vaginitis due to extreme temperatures, primitive sanitation, hygiene and laundry facilities, and unavailable or unacceptable healthcare resources. The Women in the Military Self-Diagnosis (WMSD) and treatment kit was developed as a field-expedient solution to this problem. OBJECTIVES The primary study aims were to evaluate the accuracy of women's self-diagnosis of vaginal symptoms and eight diagnostic algorithms and to predict potential self-medication omission and commission error rates. METHOD Participants included 546 active duty, deployable Army (43.3%) and Navy (53.6%) women with vaginal symptoms who sought healthcare at troop medical clinics on base.In the clinic lavatory, women conducted a self-diagnosis using a sterile cotton swab to obtain vaginal fluid, a FemExam card to measure positive or negative pH and amines, and the investigator-developed WMSD Decision-Making Guide. Potential self-diagnoses were "bacterial infection" (bacterial vaginosis [BV] and/or trichomonas vaginitis [TV]), "yeast infection" (candida vaginitis [CV]), "no infection/normal," or "unclear." The Affirm VPIII laboratory reference standard was used to detect clinically significant amounts of vaginal fluid DNA for organisms associated with BV, TV, and CV. RESULTS Women's self-diagnostic accuracy was 56% for BV/TV and 69.2% for CV. False-positives would have led to a self-medication commission error rate of 20.3% for BV/TV and 8% for CV. Potential self-medication omission error rates due to false-negatives were 23.7% for BV/TV and 24.8% for CV. The positive predictive value of diagnostic algorithms ranged from 0% to 78.1% for BV/TV and 41.7% for CV. DISCUSSION The algorithms were based on clinical diagnostic standards. The nonspecific nature of vaginal symptoms, mixed infections, and a faulty device intended to measure vaginal pH and amines explain why none of the algorithms reached the goal of 95% accuracy. The next prototype of the WMSD kit will not include nonspecific vaginal signs and symptoms in favor of recently available point-of-care devices that identify antigens or enzymes of the causative BV, TV, and CV organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Ryan-Wenger
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Professor Emerita, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
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Efficient diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis by use of a new rapid immunochromatography test. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:3821-5. [PMID: 19794036 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01168-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are nonspecific, and misdiagnosis is common, leading to a delay in the initiation of antifungal treatment. We evaluated a new immunochromatography test (ICT), the CandiVagi assay (SR2B, Avrille, France), for the rapid diagnosis of VVC. This test, which employs an immunoglobulin M antibody directed against the beta-1,2-mannopyranosyl epitopes found in the yeast cell wall, was compared with direct microscopic examination and culture of vaginal swabs. Two-hundred five women were investigated, including 130 women with symptomatic vaginitis and 75 asymptomatic controls. Two vaginal swabs were obtained from each woman: one was used to prepare a wet mount and Gram-stained preparations for direct microscopic examination and was also cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar for the isolation of Candida spp., and the second swab was used for ICT. The sensitivities of microscopic examination, culture, and ICT for the diagnosis of VVC were 61%, 100%, and 96.6%, respectively, while the specificities of the three methods were 100%, 82%, and 98.6%, respectively. ICT had a negative predictive value of 98.6%, a positive predictive value of 96.6%, and an efficiency of 98%. ICT provided a rapid result and a better compromise between sensitivity and specificity than conventional microscopy and culture for the diagnosis of VVC. This easy-to-perform diagnostic test will be useful to practitioners treating women with symptoms of vaginitis.
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Mỹ Hương N, Kurtzhals J, Thủy ĐTT, Rasch V. Reproductive tract infections in women seeking abortion in Vietnam. BMC Womens Health 2009; 9:1. [PMID: 19178703 PMCID: PMC2652446 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-9-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women requesting abortion are at increased risk of developing RTI complications. However, RTI control in many resource-poor countries including Vietnam have been faced with logistical and methodological problems due to lack of standardized definitions of RTIs, lack of well-validated diagnostic criteria, lack of accurate laboratory tests, and lack of diagnostic equipment and skills. This article investigates the prevalence of RTIs among Vietnamese abortion-seeking women, to evaluate the available diagnostic techniques, and to assess antibiotic resistance among aetiological agents of RTI. METHOD The study was conducted in Phu-San hospital (PSH) from December 2003 through April 2004 among 748 abortion clients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic and reproductive characteristics. Specimens were collected for laboratory analyses of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, vaginal candidiasis (VC), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and syphilis. To assess the validity of the obtained results, the study was repeated among 100 women and the duplicate samples were analysed at PSH and Copenhagen University Hospital (CUH). RESULTS In all 54% of the women were diagnosed as having an RTI, including 3.3% with sexually transmitted infections. Endogenous infections were most prevalent (VC 34% and BV 12%) followed by chlamydia (1.3%) and trichomoniasis (0.7%). The sensitivity of culture for VC and BV was 30% and 88%, respectively, when tests in PSH were measured against tests in CUH. Antibiotic resistance was common among bacterial isolates. CONCLUSION RTIs are common among women seeking abortion. The presence of RTIs is associated with an increased risk of developing iatrogenic infections, routine administration of prophylactic antibiotic to all women undergoing abortion should be considered. However, the choice of routine prophylactic antibiotics should be based on relevant surveillance data of antibiotic resistance. Moreover, since the accuracy of diagnosis is doubtful and to address the problem of under-diagnosed and treated RTIs new investment in diagnostic facilities with simple performed microscopy or improved rapid tests should also be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Mỹ Hương
- Institute of Population and Development Studies, General Office of Population and Family Planning, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
- Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Vibeke Rasch
- Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lowe NK, Neal JL, Ryan-Wenger NA. Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of vaginitis compared with a DNA probe laboratory standard. Obstet Gynecol 2009; 113:89-95. [PMID: 19104364 PMCID: PMC2745984 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0b013e3181909f63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of the three most common causes of acute vulvovaginal symptoms (bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis vaginitis, and trichomoniasis vaginalis) using a traditional, standardized clinical diagnostic protocol compared with a DNA probe laboratory standard. METHODS This prospective clinical comparative study had a sample of 535 active-duty United States military women presenting with vulvovaginal symptoms. Clinical diagnoses were made by research staff using a standardized protocol of history, physical examination including pelvic examination, determination of vaginal pH, vaginal fluid amines test, and wet-prep microscopy. Vaginal fluid samples were obtained for DNA analysis. The research clinicians were blinded to the DNA results. RESULTS The participants described a presenting symptom of abnormal discharge (50%), itching/irritation (33%), malodor (10%), burning (4%), or others such as vulvar pain and vaginal discomfort. According to laboratory standard, there were 225 cases (42%) of bacterial vaginosis, 76 cases (14%) of candidiasis vaginitis, 8 cases (1.5%) of trichomoniasis vaginalis, 87 cases of mixed infections (16%), and 139 negative cases (26%). For each single infection, the clinical diagnosis had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.8% and 70.0% for bacterial vaginosis, 83.8% and 84.8% for candidiasis vaginitis, and 84.6% and 99.6% for trichomoniasis vaginalis when compared with the DNA probe standard. CONCLUSION Compared with a DNA probe standard, clinical diagnosis is 81-85% sensitive and 70-99% specific for bacterial vaginosis, Candida vaginitis, and trichomoniasis. Even under research conditions that provided clinicians with sufficient time and materials to conduct a thorough and standardized clinical evaluation, the diagnosis and, therefore, subsequent treatment of these common vaginal problems remains difficult. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy K Lowe
- From the Division of Women, Children and Family Health, University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing, Aurora, Colorado; and Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
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Pellati D, Mylonakis I, Bertoloni G, Fiore C, Andrisani A, Ambrosini G, Armanini D. Genital tract infections and infertility. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2008; 140:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2008.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Flores-Paz R, Rivera-Sánchez R, Ruix-Pérez NJ, Arriaga-Alba M. Utilidad del sistema Affirm VPIII y de la prueba L-Pap para el diagnóstico de vaginosis bacteriana. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2008; 26:338-42. [DOI: 10.1157/13123838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Dimitonova SP, Danova ST, Serkedjieva JP, Bakalov BV. Antimicrobial activity and protective properties of vaginal lactobacilli from healthy Bulgarian women. Anaerobe 2007; 13:178-84. [PMID: 17910924 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2007.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The role of vaginal Lactobacillus as an efficient barrier against invading pathogens is of considerable interest. The purpose of the present study was to assess in vitro the ability of 20 recently identified vaginal lactobacilli to protect the vagina. In order to evaluate their significance, the antimicrobial, hemagglutination (HA) and aggregation (Agg) activities, as well as acid and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production, were estimated. The cell-free cultures of eight strains showed a stable antimicrobial activity after elimination of the putative effects of lactic acid and H(2)O(2). Three of the isolated vaginal lactobacilli expressed a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activity including Gram-negative pathogens. Strains with anti-Gardnerella and anti-herpes simplex virus type 2 activities were found. All tested isolates were H(2)O(2) producers, actively acidifying the growth media to pH 3.92+/-0.04, which is presumed to neutralize sexually transmitted infection pathogens. The major part (75%) expressed an HA activity and different Agg phenotypes, estimated as important properties in the competition with invading pathogens and in host defense. These results are encouraging and prompt further research of the characterized active strains and their possible application in prophylaxis of vaginal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silviya P Dimitonova
- Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology Stephan Angeloff, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26, Acad. G. Bontchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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