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Lopes CE, Weyh TS, Moni CA, Dias ME, Gomes TAT, da Costa MM, Ramos RTJ, Góes-Neto A, de Carvalho Azevedo VA, Brenig B, Siqueira FM. Comparative genetic and pathogenic approaches of Escherichia coli isolated simultaneously from pyometra and urine of bitches. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1755-1768. [PMID: 38546809 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) are widely related to pyometra and cystitis in dogs, and these infections can occur simultaneously. The goal of this study was to determine genetic and pathogenic insights of 14 E. coli isolated simultaneously from pyometra content and bladder urine of seven bitches. To achieve this, in silico and in vitro comparative analyses were conducted. Whole-genome comparisons demonstrated that E. coli isolated from pyometra and urine of the same animal were predominantly genetic extraintestinal E. coli clones belonging to the same Sequence Type and phylogroup. The E. coli clones identified in this study included ST372, ST457, ST12, ST127, ST646, and ST961. Five isolates (35.7%) belonged to the ST12 complex. Except for two E. coli, all other isolates belonged to the B2 Clermont phylogroup. Interestingly, some genomes of E. coli from urine carried more virulence genes than those E. coli from pyometra. Both pyometra and urine E. coli isolates demonstrated a strong affinity for adhering to HeLa and T24 cells, with a low affinity for invading them. However, certain isolates from urine exhibited a greater tendency to adhere to T24 cells in qualitative and quantitative assays compared to isolates from pyometra. In conclusion, this study revealed the high genomic similarity between pyometra and urine E. coli isolates, as well as the virulent capacity of both to colonize endometrial and urothelial cells. The findings of this study underscore the importance of concurrently managing both infections clinically and could potentially contribute to future resources for the prevention of cystitis and pyometra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassiane Elisabete Lopes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tainara Soares Weyh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Azevedo Moni
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tania Aparecida Tardelli Gomes
- Laboratório Experimental de Patogenicidade de Enterobactérias (LEPE), Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia (DMIP), Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Matiuzzi da Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Bertram Brenig
- Department of Molecular Biology of Livestock, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Veterinary School, Federal University of Rio Grande Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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2
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Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Fowler SW, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37985659 PMCID: PMC10661851 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbial composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection against infection, the lack of in vivo models resembling the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of C57BL/6J female mice, we found that vaginal microbial composition varies within and between colonies across three vivaria. Noting vaginal microbial plasticity in conventional mice, we assessed the vaginal microbiome of humanized microbiota mice (HMbmice). Like the community structure in conventional mice, HMbmice vaginal microbiota clustered into community state types but, uniquely, HMbmice communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacillus or Enterobacteriaceae. Compared to conventional mice, HMbmice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia. Although Escherichia and Lactobacillus both correlated with the absence of uterine GBS, vaginal pre-inoculation with exogenous HMbmouse-derived E. coli, but not Ligilactobacillus murinus, reduced vaginal GBS burden. Overall, HMbmice serve as a useful model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyd E Mejia
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samantha Ottinger
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Korinna Ruiz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mallory B Ballard
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie W Fowler
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Britton
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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3
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Lindsay CV, Potter JA, Grimshaw AA, Abrahams VM, Tong M. Endometrial responses to bacterial and viral infection: a scoping review. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:675-693. [PMID: 37290428 PMCID: PMC10477945 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endometrium is a highly dynamic tissue that undergoes dramatic proliferation and differentiation monthly in order to prepare the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. Intrauterine infection and inflammation are being increasingly recognized as potential causes of implantation failure and miscarriage, as well as obstetric complications later in gestation. However, the mechanisms by which the cells of the endometrium respond to infection remain understudied and recent progress is slowed in part owing to similar overlapping studies being performed in different species. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this scoping review is to systematically summarize all published studies in humans and laboratory animals that have investigated the innate immune sensing and response of the endometrium to bacteria and viruses, and the signaling mechanisms involved. This will enable gaps in our knowledge to be identified to inform future studies. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase/Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched using a combination of controlled and free text terms for uterus/endometrium, infections, and fertility to March 2022. All primary research papers that have reported on endometrial responses to bacterial and viral infections in the context of reproduction were included. To focus the scope of the current review, studies in domesticated animals, included bovine, porcine, caprine, feline, and canine species were excluded. OUTCOMES This search identified 42 728 studies for screening and 766 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Data was extracted from 76 studies. The majority of studies focused on endometrial responses to Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis, with some studies of Neisseria gonorrhea, Staphylococcus aureus, and the Streptococcus family. Endometrial responses have only been studied in response to three groups of viruses thus far: HIV, Zika virus, and the herpesvirus family. For most infections, both cellular and animal models have been utilized in vitro and in vivo, focusing on endometrial production of cytokines, chemokines, and antiviral/antimicrobial factors, and the expression of innate immune signaling pathway mediators after infection. This review has identified gaps for future research in the field as well as highlighted some recent developments in organoid systems and immune cell co-cultures that offer new avenues for studying endometrial responses to infection in more physiologically relevant models that could accelerate future findings in this area. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This scoping review provides an overarching summary and benchmark of the current state of research on endometrial innate immune responses to bacterial and viral infection. This review also highlights some exciting recent developments that enable future studies to be designed to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms utilized by the endometrium to respond to infection and their downstream effects on uterine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina V Lindsay
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julie A Potter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alyssa A Grimshaw
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vikki M Abrahams
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mancy Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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4
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Lanza M, Scuderi SA, Capra AP, Casili G, Filippone A, Campolo M, Cuzzocrea S, Esposito E, Paterniti I. Effect of a combination of pea protein, grape seed extract and lactic acid in an in vivo model of bacterial vaginosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2849. [PMID: 36807330 PMCID: PMC9938223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28957-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal dysbiosis characterized by a malodorous discharge and irritation. The imbalance of the vaginal microbiota plays a key role in the development of BV. It has been demonstrated that Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), a facultative anaerobic bacillus, is involved in BV. Due to the rising number of antimicrobial-resistant species, recurrence of BV is becoming more frequent in women; thus, alternative treatments to antibiotics are needed. Natural substances have recently shown a great efficacy for the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effect of a product containing pea protein (PP), grape seed extract (GS) and lactic acid (LA) in an in vivo model of Gardnerella vaginalis-induced vaginosis by intravaginal administration of GV suspension (1 × 106 CFU/20 µL saline). Our results demonstrated that the product containing PP, GS and LA significantly reduced GV proliferation. More specifically, it significantly preserved tissue architecture and reduced neutrophil infiltration, inflammatory markers and sialidase activity when used both as a pre- or a post-treatment. Moreover, the product displayed strong bioadhesive properties. Therefore, our data suggested that the product containing PP, GS and LA could be used as alternative preventive or curative treatment for the management of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Lanza
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Filippone
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Michela Campolo
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D 'Alcontres, 31, 98166, Messina, Italy.
| | - Irene Paterniti
- grid.10438.3e0000 0001 2178 8421Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D ’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
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5
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Mejia ME, Mercado-Evans V, Zulk JJ, Ottinger S, Ruiz K, Ballard MB, Britton RA, Patras KA. Vaginal microbial dynamics and pathogen colonization in a humanized microbiota mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.09.527909. [PMID: 36798217 PMCID: PMC9934685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with differential risk of urogenital infection. Although vaginal Lactobacillus spp. are thought to confer protection through acidification, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation, lack of an in vivo model system that closely resembles the human vaginal microbiota remains a prominent barrier to mechanistic discovery. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of wildtype C57BL/6J mice, commonly used to study pathogen colonization, and found that the vaginal microbiome composition varies highly both within and between colonies from three distinct vivaria. Because of the strong influence of environmental exposure on vaginal microbiome composition, we assessed whether a humanized microbiota mouse ( HMb mice) would model a more human-like vaginal microbiota. Similar to humans and conventional mice, HMb mice vaginal microbiota clustered into five community state types ( h mCST). Uniquely, HMb mice vaginal communities were frequently dominated by Lactobacilli or Enterobacteriaceae . Compared to genetically-matched conventional mice, HMb mice were less susceptible to uterine ascension by urogenital pathobionts group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Prevotella bivia , but no differences were observed with uropathogenic E. coli . Specifically, vaginal Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus were associated with the absence of uterine GBS. Anti-GBS activity of HMb mice vaginal E. coli and L. murinus isolates, representing Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus respectively, were characterized in vitro and in vivo . Although L. murinus reduced GBS growth in vitro , vaginal pre-inoculation with HMb mouse-derived E. coli , but not L. murinus , conferred protection against vaginal GBS burden. Overall, the HMb mice are an improved model to elucidate the role of endogenous microbes in conferring protection against urogenital pathogens. IMPORTANCE An altered vaginal microbiota, typically with little to no levels of Lactobacillus , is associated with increased susceptibility to urogenital infections, although mechanisms driving this vulnerability are not fully understood. Despite known inhibitory properties of Lactobacillus against urogenital pathogens, clinical studies with Lactobacillus probiotics have shown mixed success. In this study, we characterize the impact of the vaginal microbiota on urogenital pathogen colonization using a humanized microbiota mouse model that more closely mimics the human vaginal microbiota. We found several vaginal bacterial taxa that correlated with reduced pathogen levels but showed discordant effects in pathogen inhibition between in vitro and in vivo assays. We propose that this humanized microbiota mouse platform is an improved model to describe the role of the vaginal microbiota in protection against urogenital pathogens. Furthermore, this model will be useful in testing efficacy of new probiotic strategies in the complex vaginal environment.
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6
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Liu FT, Yang S, Yang Z, Zhou P, Peng T, Yin J, Ye Z, Shan H, Yu Y, Li R. An Altered Microbiota in the Lower and Upper Female Reproductive Tract of Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0046222. [PMID: 35604131 PMCID: PMC9241707 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00462-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a complex multifactorial disease. Recently, the microbiota of the female reproductive tract, as an emerging factor in RSA, has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Here, we reported that the microbiota of the lower and upper female reproductive tracts from patients with RSA showed no significant differences in alpha diversity compared to that of controls. Beta diversity was significantly higher in the RSA group than in the control group in the vaginal microbiota (P = 0.036), cervical microbiota (P = 0.010) and microbiota from uterine lavage fluid (P = 0.001). In addition, dramatic decreases in gamma interferon and interleukin-6 cytokine levels were observed in the RSA group. In conclusion, our data suggested altered microbial biodiversity in the vagina, cervix and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group. Alterations in the microbiota in the uterine cavity could be associated with altered cytokine levels, which might be a risk factor for RSA pathogenesis. Moreover, the microbiota composition differed markedly from the lower genital tract to the uterine cavity, and the microbiota in the uterine cavity also distinctly varied between endometrial tissue and uterine lavage fluid in the RSA group. Hence, sampling with these two methods simultaneously allowed a more comprehensive perspective of microbial colonization in the uterine cavity. IMPORTANCE As an obstacle to pregnancy, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) can be caused by a variety of factors, and a current understanding of the etiology of RSA is still lacking; half of cases have an unknown cause. A substantial fraction of patients show no improvement after treatment. Since the microbiota of the female reproductive tract has been proposed as an emerging factor in RSA patients, further investigation is needed to provide guidance for clinical therapy. In general, this is the first report describing the distinct alterations of the vaginal, cervical, and uterine microbiota in RSA, not just that in the vagina. Furthermore, another major strength of this study derived from the further in-depth investigation and analysis of the characteristics of the microbiota colonizing the upper female genital tract in RSA, which provided a more comprehensive view for investigating the uterine microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Ting Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianliu Peng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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7
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Robinson CK, Saenkham-Huntsinger P, Hanson BS, Adams LG, Subashchandrabose S. Vaginal Inoculation of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli during Estrus Leads to Genital and Renal Colonization. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0053221. [PMID: 35357220 PMCID: PMC9022555 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00532-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections, particularly in women, children, and the elderly. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the predominant etiological agent of UTI. Uropathogens are directly instilled in the urinary bladder, bypassing the lower urogenital tract, in the widely used murine model of UTI. We assessed whether vaginal inoculation of UPEC led to UTI and how stages of the estrous cycle would impact bacterial colonization in mice. Mice in proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus were identified by vaginal cytology and inoculated with UPEC in the vaginal tract. Mice were euthanized 1 day after infection, and bacterial loads in the urogenital tract, liver, and spleen were enumerated. Mice in estrus exhibited the highest and most consistent UPEC burdens in all organs, except the bladder. Vaginal inoculation resulted in bladder colonization in a UPEC strain-specific manner. In contrast, transurethral inoculation of UPEC led to bladder colonization. Importantly, inoculation by both routes led to vaginal and uterine colonization and concomitant systemic dissemination to the spleen and liver. The kinetics of bacterial colonization over 2 weeks following vaginal inoculation was comparable in the urogenital tract. Tissue sections revealed the induction of vaginitis and cystitis upon the vaginal instillation of UPEC. In summary, vaginal inoculation of UPEC in mice during estrus represents a novel approach to investigate infection of the kidneys and genital tract and systemic dissemination from the urogenital tract. Our findings suggest that estrogen primes the urogenital tract to create a conducive milieu for UPEC colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen K. Robinson
- Comparative Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Panatda Saenkham-Huntsinger
- Comparative Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Braden S. Hanson
- Comparative Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - L. Garry Adams
- Comparative Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sargurunathan Subashchandrabose
- Comparative Medicine Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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8
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Ksiezarek M, Novais Â, Peixe L. The Darkest Place Is under the Candlestick-Healthy Urogenital Tract as a Source of Worldwide Disseminated Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Lineages. Microorganisms 2021; 10:27. [PMID: 35056476 PMCID: PMC8778945 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the urinary microbiome, including the identification of Escherichia coli in healthy hosts, its involvement in UTI development has been a subject of high interest. We explored the population diversity and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli (n = 22) in the urogenital microbiome of ten asymptomatic women (representing 50% of the sample tested). We evaluated their genomic relationship with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) strains from healthy and diseased hosts, including the ST131 lineage. E. coli prevalence was higher in vaginal samples than in urine samples, and occasionally different lineages were observed in the same individual. Furthermore, B2 was the most frequent phylogenetic group, with the most strains classified as ExPEC. Resistance to antibiotics of therapeutic relevance (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate conferred by blaTEM-30) was observed in ExPEC widespread lineages sequence types (ST) 127, ST131, and ST73 and ST95 clonal complexes. Phylogenomics of ST131 and other ExPEC lineages revealed close relatedness with strains from gastrointestinal tract and diseased host. These findings demonstrate that healthy urogenital microbiome is a source of potentially pathogenic and antibiotic resistant E. coli strains, including those causing UTI, e.g., ST131. Importantly, diverse E. coli lineages can be observed per individual and urogenital sample type which is relevant for future studies screening for this uropathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Ksiezarek
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.K.); (Â.N.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela Novais
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.K.); (Â.N.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO–Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.K.); (Â.N.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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9
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The Role of 17β-Estrogen in Escherichia coli Adhesion on Human Vaginal Epithelial Cells via FAK Phosphorylation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0021921. [PMID: 34424749 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00219-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen, the predominant sex hormone, has been found to be related to the occurrence of vaginal infectious diseases. However, its role in the occurrence and development of bacterial vaginitis caused by Escherichia coli is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of 17β-estrogen in E. coli adhesion on human vaginal epithelial cells. The vaginal epithelial cell line VK2/E6E7 was used to study the molecular events induced by estrogen between E. coli and cells. An adhesion study was performed to evaluate the involvement of the estrogen-dependent focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation with cell adhesion. The phosphorylation status of FAK and estrogen receptor α (ERα) upon estrogen challenge was assessed by Western blotting. Specific inhibitors for ERα were used to validate the involvement of ERα-FAK signaling cascade. The results showed that, following stimulation with 1,000 nM estrogen for 48 h, transient activation of ERα and FAK was observed, as was an increased average number of E. coli cells adhering to vaginal epithelial cells. In addition, estrogen-induced activation of ERα and FAK was inhibited by the specific inhibitor of ERα, especially when the inhibitor reached a 10 μM concentration and acted for 1 h, and a decrease in the number of adherent E. coli cells was observed simultaneously. However, this inhibitory effect diminished as the concentration of estrogen increased. In conclusion, FAK and ERα signaling cascades were associated with the increasing E. coli adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, which was promoted by a certain concentration of estrogen.
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10
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Gaston JR, Johnson AO, Bair KL, White AN, Armbruster CE. Polymicrobial interactions in the urinary tract: is the enemy of my enemy my friend? Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00652-20. [PMID: 33431702 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00652-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of research pertaining to urinary tract infection has focused on a single pathogen in isolation, and predominantly Escherichia coli. However, polymicrobial urine colonization and infection are prevalent in several patient populations, including individuals with urinary catheters. The progression from asymptomatic colonization to symptomatic infection and severe disease is likely shaped by interactions between traditional pathogens as well as constituents of the normal urinary microbiota. Recent studies have begun to experimentally dissect the contribution of polymicrobial interactions to disease outcomes in the urinary tract, including their role in development of antimicrobial-resistant biofilm communities, modulating the innate immune response, tissue damage, and sepsis. This review aims to summarize the epidemiology of polymicrobial urine colonization, provide an overview of common urinary tract pathogens, and present key microbe-microbe and host-microbe interactions that influence infection progression, persistence, and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R Gaston
- Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo
| | - Alexandra O Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo
| | - Kirsten L Bair
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo
| | - Ashley N White
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo
| | - Chelsie E Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo
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11
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Safarpoor Dehkordi F, Tavakoli-Far B, Jafariaskari S, Momtaz H, Esmaeilzadeh S, Ranjbar R, Rabiei M. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in the high vaginal swab samples of fertile and infertile women: virulence factors, O-serogroups, and phenotyping and genotyping characterization of antibiotic resistance. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100824. [PMID: 33364031 PMCID: PMC7750135 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of urinary tract infections into the reproductive system is unavoidable. The present research was performed to assess the distribution of virulence genes, O-serogroups and antibiotic resistance properties of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from the high vaginal swab samples of fertile and infertile women. A total of 460 high vaginal swab samples were taken from fertile and infertile women. Distribution of virulence factors and serogroups and antibiotic resistance properties of the E. coli isolates were assessed. Sixty-five out of 460 (14.13%) swab samples were positive for E. coli. Prevalences of E. coli in samples taken from fertile and infertile women were 13.63% and 14.58%, respectively. O1 (7.69%), O2 (6.15%) and O6 (6.15%) were the most frequently detected serogroups. The most frequently detected virulence genes were sfa (72.72%), afa (72.72%), cnf1 (72.72%) and fim (72.72%). The most commonly detected antibiotic-resistance genes were tetA (95.45%), CITM (88.63%), aac(3)-IV (86.36%) and sul1 (72.72%). UPEC strains harboured the highest prevalence of resistance against tetracycline (88.63%), ampicillin (79.54%), gentamicin (77.27%) and enrofloxacin (52.27%). Seventeen out of 26 (65.38%) UPEC strains isolated from infertile women were resistant toward more than ten antibiotic agents. Infertile women with a history of urinary tract infections had the higher prevalence of UPEC strains and also the other characters. High prevalence of the virulent and resistant UPEC strains in the high vaginal part of the infertile women with a history of urinary tract infections may show an important role of these pathogens as causes of female infertility. However, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Centre, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - S. Jafariaskari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - H. Momtaz
- Faculty Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - S. Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - R. Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Centre, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M. Rabiei
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Glycan cross-feeding supports mutualism between Fusobacterium and the vaginal microbiota. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000788. [PMID: 32841232 PMCID: PMC7447053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with bacterial vaginosis (BV), an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome, are more likely to be colonized by potential pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium linked with intrauterine infection and preterm birth. However, the conditions and mechanisms supporting pathogen colonization during vaginal dysbiosis remain obscure. We demonstrate that sialidase activity, a diagnostic feature of BV, promoted F. nucleatum foraging and growth on mammalian sialoglycans, a nutrient resource that was otherwise inaccessible because of the lack of endogenous F. nucleatum sialidase. In mice with sialidase-producing vaginal microbiotas, mutant F. nucleatum unable to consume sialic acids was impaired in vaginal colonization. These experiments in mice also led to the discovery that F. nucleatum may also “give back” to the community by reinforcing sialidase activity, a biochemical feature of human dysbiosis. Using human vaginal bacterial communities, we show that F. nucleatum supported robust outgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, a major sialidase producer and one of the most abundant organisms in BV. These results illustrate that mutually beneficial relationships between vaginal bacteria support pathogen colonization and may help maintain features of dysbiosis. These findings challenge the simplistic dogma that the mere absence of “healthy” lactobacilli is the sole mechanism that creates a permissive environment for pathogens during vaginal dysbiosis. Given the ubiquity of F. nucleatum in the human mouth, these studies also suggest a possible mechanism underlying links between vaginal dysbiosis and oral sex. Bacterial mutualism involving the prominent oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum may drive vaginal dysbiosis in women and could help to explain the clinical correlations between vaginal dysbiosis and oral sex.
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13
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Brannon JR, Dunigan TL, Beebout CJ, Ross T, Wiebe MA, Reynolds WS, Hadjifrangiskou M. Invasion of vaginal epithelial cells by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2803. [PMID: 32499566 PMCID: PMC7272400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16627-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-associated reservoirs account for the majority of recurrent and oftentimes recalcitrant infections. Previous studies established that uropathogenic E. coli - the primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) - can adhere to vaginal epithelial cells preceding UTI. Here, we demonstrate that diverse urinary E. coli isolates not only adhere to, but also invade vaginal cells. Intracellular colonization of the vaginal epithelium is detected in acute and chronic murine UTI models indicating the ability of E. coli to reside in the vagina following UTI. Conversely, in a vaginal colonization model, E. coli are detected inside vaginal cells and the urinary tract, indicating that vaginal colonization can seed the bladder. More critically, bacteria are identified inside vaginal cells from clinical samples from women with a history of recurrent UTI. These findings suggest that E. coli can establish a vaginal intracellular reservoir, where it may reside safely from extracellular stressors prior to causing an ascending infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Brannon
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Taryn L Dunigan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Connor J Beebout
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tamia Ross
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle A Wiebe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Maria Hadjifrangiskou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Molecular Pathogenesis, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Urology, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology & Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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