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Duarte G, Linhares IM, Kreitchmann R, Tristão ADR, Traina E, Canti I, Takimura M, Andrade JQ. Vulvovaginitis in pregnant women. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2024; 46:e-FPS03. [PMID: 38765512 PMCID: PMC11075393 DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024fps03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
• The balanced vaginal microbiome is the main factor defending the vaginal environment against infections. Lactobacilli play a key role in this regard, maintaining the vaginal pH within the normal range (3.8 to 4.5). •Hormonal and immune adaptations resulting from pregnancy influence changes in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy. •An altered vaginal microbiome predisposes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. •Bacterial vaginosis is the main clinical expression of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. •Vulvovaginal candidiasis depends more on the host's conditions than on the etiological agent. •Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan transmitted during sexual intercourse. •The use of probiotics is not approved for use in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldo Duarte
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão PretoSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Iara Moreno Linhares
- Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Regis Kreitchmann
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre Porto AlegreRS Brazil Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Andréa da Rocha Tristão
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual Paulista BotucatuSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Traina
- Escola Paulista de Medicina Universidade Federal de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ivete Canti
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto AlegreRS Brazil Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcos Takimura
- Universidade Positivo CuritibaPR Brazil Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Joelma Queiroz Andrade
- Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo São PauloSP Brazil Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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2
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Margarita V, Congiargiu A, Diaz N, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii in Trichomonas vaginalis: Peaceful Cohabitants or Contentious Roommates? Pathogens 2023; 12:1083. [PMID: 37764891 PMCID: PMC10535475 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091083] [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] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to establish a close relationship with endosymbiotic microorganisms: the unique association of T. vaginalis with the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis represents, to date, the only example of an endosymbiosis involving two true human pathogens. Since its discovery, several aspects of the symbiosis between T. vaginalis and M. hominis have been characterized, demonstrating that the presence of the intracellular guest strongly influences the pathogenic characteristics of the protozoon, making it more aggressive towards host cells and capable of stimulating a stronger proinflammatory response. The recent description of a further symbiont of the protozoon, the newly discovered non-cultivable mycoplasma Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, makes the picture even more complex. This review provides an overview of the main aspects of this complex microbial consortium, with particular emphasis on its effect on protozoan pathobiology and on the interplays among the symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Congiargiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (A.C.); (N.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital of Sassari (AOU), 07110 Sassari, Italy
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3
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Usyk M, Schlecht NF, Viswanathan S, Gradissimo A, Valizadegan N, Sollecito CC, Nucci-Sack A, Diaz A, Burk RD. TRiCit: A High-Throughput Approach to Detect Trichomonas vaginalis from ITS1 Amplicon Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11839. [PMID: 37511598 PMCID: PMC10380363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, affecting over 174 million people annually and is frequently associated with reproductive co-morbidities. However, its detection can be time-consuming, subjective, and expensive for large cohort studies. This case-control study, conducted at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in New York City, involved 36 women with prevalent TV infections and 36 controls. The objective was to examine Internal Transcribed Spacer region-1 (ITS1) amplicon-derived communities for the detection of prevalent TV infections with the same precision as clinical microscopy and the independent amplification of the TV-specific TVK3/7 gene. DNA was isolated from clinician-collected cervicovaginal samples and amplified using ITS1 primers in a research laboratory. Results were compared to microscopic wet-mount TV detection of concurrently collected cervicovaginal samples and confirmed against TV-specific TVK3/7 gene PCR. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for diagnosing TV using ITS1 communities was 0.92. ITS1 amplicons displayed an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.98) compared to TVK3/7 PCR fragment testing. TV cases showed an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) compared to the TV-negative controls (OR = 8.67, 95% CI: 2.24-48.54, p-value = 0.0011), with no significant differences regarding genital yeast or chlamydia infections. This study presents a bioinformatics approach to ITS1 amplicon next-generation sequencing that is capable of detecting prevalent TV infections. This approach enables high-throughput testing for TV in stored DNA from large-scale epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhaylo Usyk
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nicolas F Schlecht
- Department of Cancer Prevention & Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Shankar Viswanathan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ana Gradissimo
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Negin Valizadegan
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Christopher C Sollecito
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Anne Nucci-Sack
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Manhattan, NY 10029, USA
| | - Angela Diaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Manhattan, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert D Burk
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetic Medicine), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Rossi IV, Ramirez MI. Learning the language of pathogens. eLife 2023; 12:e89264. [PMID: 37318983 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89264] [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: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites can use extracellular vesicles and cellular projections called cytonemes to communicate with one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izadora Volpato Rossi
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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5
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Barbosa TN, Silva MTDO, Sena-Lopes Â, Kremer FS, Sousa FSS, Seixas FK, Collares TV, de Pereira CMP, Borsuk S. Bioprospection of the trichomonacidal activity of lipid extracts derived from marine macroalgae Gigartina skottsbergii. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285426. [PMID: 37155662 PMCID: PMC10166524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Algal extracts are sources of bioactive substances with applications in the development of novel alternative drugs against several diseases, including trichomoniasis sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Factors such as clinical failures and resistant strains limit the success of the existing drugs available for treating this disease. Therefore, searching for viable alternatives to these drugs is essential for the treatment of this disease. The present study was conducted for, in vitro and in silico characterization of extracts obtained from marine macroalgae Gigartina skottsbergii at stages gametophidic, cystocarpic, and tetrasporophidic. In addition, antiparasitic activity of these extracts against the ATCC 30236 isolate of T. vaginalis, their cytotoxicity, and gene expression of trophozoites after treatment were evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration and 50% inhibition concentration were determined for each extract. Results: In vitro analysis of the extracts' anti-T. vaginalis activity revealed an inhibitory effect of 100%, 89.61%, and 86.95% for Gigartina skottsbergii at stages gametophidic, cystocarpic, and tetrasporophidic, respectively, at 100 μg/mL. In silico analysis revealed the interactions between constituents of the extracts and enzymes from T. vaginalis, with significant free energy values obtained for the binding. None of the extract concentrations exhibited cytotoxic effects on VERO cell line compared to control, while cytotoxicity on HMVII vaginal epithelial cells line was observed at 100 μg/mL (30% inhibition). Gene expression analysis revealed differences in the expression profile of T. vaginalis enzymes between the extract-treated and control groups. According to these results, Gigartina skottsbergii extracts exhibited satisfactory antiparasitic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallyson Nogueira Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Infecto-Parasitária, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Mara Thais de Oliveira Silva
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Infecto-Parasitária, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Ângela Sena-Lopes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Infecto-Parasitária, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Frederico Schmitt Kremer
- Laboratório de Lipidômica e Bio-orgânica, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Severo Sabedra Sousa
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Proteômica, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Fabiana Kommling Seixas
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Proteômica, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Tiago Veiras Collares
- Laboratório de Bioinformática e Proteômica, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Cláudio Martin Pereira de Pereira
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia do Câncer, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Sibele Borsuk
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Infecto-Parasitária, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, UFPel, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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6
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Long COVID and the Neuroendocrinology of Microbial Translocation Outside the GI Tract: Some Treatment Strategies. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to previous pandemics, COVID-19 has been succeeded by well-documented post-infectious sequelae, including chronic fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and concentration difficulties, which may last 5 to 12 weeks or longer after the acute phase of illness. Both the psychological stress of SARS-CoV-2 infection and being diagnosed with COVID-19 can upregulate cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the efferocytosis effectors, macrophages, and natural killer cells, leading to the excessive accumulation of senescent cells and disruption of biological barriers. This has been well-established in cancer patients who often experience unrelenting fatigue as well as gut and blood–brain barrier dysfunction upon treatment with senescence-inducing radiation or chemotherapy. In our previous research from 2020 and 2021, we linked COVID-19 to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) via angiotensin II upregulation, premature endothelial senescence, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation. In 2021 and 2022, these hypotheses were validated and SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular senescence as well as microbial translocation were documented in both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID, and ME/CFS, connecting intestinal barrier dysfunction to disabling fatigue and specific infectious events. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize what is currently known about host immune responses to translocated gut microbes and how these responses relate to fatiguing illnesses, including long COVID. To accomplish this goal, we examine the role of intestinal and blood–brain barriers in long COVID and other illnesses typified by chronic fatigue, with a special emphasis on commensal microbes functioning as viral reservoirs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of SARS-CoV-2/Mycoplasma coinfection in dysfunctional efferocytosis, emphasizing some potential novel treatment strategies, including the use of senotherapeutic drugs, HMGB1 inhibitors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blockers, and membrane lipid replacement.
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A Microbial Piñata: Bacterial Endosymbionts of Trichomonas vaginalis Come in Different Flavors. mBio 2022; 13:e0132322. [PMID: 35968950 PMCID: PMC9426529 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01323-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent human urogenital infection with significant morbidity that is commonly associated with vaginal dysbiosis. Exacerbation of T. vaginalis pathogenicity has been related to endosymbionts, including mycoplasma, and thought for a while to be solely attributable to Mycoplasma hominis. In a recent publication, Margarita and colleagues (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00918-22) showed that endosymbiosis extends to a second species of mycoplasma known as "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii." Those authors confirmed the strong association of T. vaginalis with both species of mycoplasma by reassessing clinical samples. Additionally, they showed that in vitro symbiosis of protozoa and bacteria resulted in the modulation of gene expression of T. vaginalis and enhancement of parasite cytoadhesion and hemolytic activity in culture assays. In this commentary, we portray T. vaginalis as a synergistically interacting multimicrobe organism-a "microbial piñata"-whose endosymbionts contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of this medically important protozoan parasite.
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Kumar M, Saadaoui M, Al Khodor S. Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:873253. [PMID: 35755838 PMCID: PMC9217740 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.873253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy causes physiological and immunological adaptations that allow the mother and fetus to communicate with precision in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, these adaptations may make pregnant women more susceptible to infections, resulting in a variety of pregnancy complications; those pathogens may also be vertically transmitted to the fetus, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Even though the placenta has developed a robust microbial defense to restrict vertical microbial transmission, certain microbial pathogens have evolved mechanisms to avoid the placental barrier and cause congenital diseases. Recent mechanistic studies have begun to uncover the striking role of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we discuss how microbial pathogens overcome the placental barrier to cause congenital diseases. A better understanding of the placental control of fetal infection should provide new insights into future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Margarita V, Bailey NP, Rappelli P, Diaz N, Dessì D, Fettweis JM, Hirt RP, Fiori PL. Two Different Species of Mycoplasma Endosymbionts Can Influence Trichomonas vaginalis Pathophysiology. mBio 2022; 13:e0091822. [PMID: 35608298 PMCID: PMC9239101 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00918-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis can host the endosymbiont Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium capable of modulating T. vaginalis pathobiology. Recently, a new noncultivable mycoplasma, "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii," has been shown to be closely associated with women affected by trichomoniasis, suggesting a biological association. Although several features of "Ca. M. girerdii" have been investigated through genomic analysis, the nature of the potential T. vaginalis-"Ca. M. girerdii" consortium and its impact on the biology and pathogenesis of both microorganisms have not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the association between "Ca. M. girerdii" and T. vaginalis isolated from patients affected by trichomoniasis, demonstrating their intracellular localization. By using an in vitro model system based on single- and double-Mycoplasma infection of Mycoplasma-free isogenic T. vaginalis, we investigated the ability of the protist to establish a relationship with the bacteria and impact T. vaginalis growth. Our data indicate likely competition between M. hominis and "Ca. M. girerdii" while infecting trichomonad cells. Comparative dual-transcriptomics data showed major shifts in parasite gene expression in response to the presence of Mycoplasma, including genes associated with energy metabolism and pathogenesis. Consistent with the transcriptomics data, both parasite-mediated hemolysis and binding to host epithelial cells were significantly upregulated in the presence of either Mycoplasma species. Taken together, these results support a model in which this microbial association could modulate the virulence of T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE T. vaginalis and M. hominis form a unique case of endosymbiosis that modulates the parasite's pathobiology. Recently, a new nonculturable mycoplasma species ("Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii") has been described as closely associated with the protozoon. Here, we report the characterization of this endosymbiotic relationship. Clinical isolates of the parasite demonstrate that mycoplasmas are common among trichomoniasis patients. The relationships are studied by devising an in vitro system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
| | - Jennifer M. Fettweis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control (MCDC), Sassari, Italy
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10
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Margarita V, Cao LC, Bailey NP, Ngoc THT, Ngo TMC, Nu PAT, Diaz N, Dessì D, Hirt RP, Fiori PL, Rappelli P. Effect of the Symbiosis with Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma Girerdii on Trichomonas vaginalis Metronidazole Susceptibility. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060812. [PMID: 35740218 PMCID: PMC9220282 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060812] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, is caused by the protozoon Trichomonas vaginalis. The 5- nitroimidazole drugs, of which metronidazole is the most prescribed, are the only effective drugs to treat trichomoniasis. Resistance against metronidazole is increasingly reported among T. vaginalis isolates. T. vaginalis can establish an endosymbiosis with two Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, whose presence has been demonstrated to influence several aspects of the protozoan pathobiology. The role of M. hominis in T. vaginalis resistance to metronidazole is controversial, while the influence of Ca. M. girerdii has never been investigated. In this work, we investigate the possible correlation between the presence of Ca. M. girerdii and/or M. hominis and the in vitro drug susceptibility in a large group of T. vaginalis isolated in Italy and in Vietnam. We also evaluated, via RNA-seq analysis, the expression of protozoan genes involved in metronidazole resistance in a set of syngenic T. vaginalis strains, differing only for the presence/absence of the two Mycoplasmas. Our results show that the presence of M. hominis significantly increases the sensitivity to metronidazole in T. vaginalis and affects gene expression. On the contrary, the symbiosis with Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii seems to have no effect on metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Le Chi Cao
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicholas P. Bailey
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Thuy Ha Thi Ngoc
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Thi Minh Chau Ngo
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Phuong Anh Ton Nu
- Department of Parasitology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 06 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue 49000, Vietnam; (L.C.C.); (T.H.T.N.); (T.M.C.N.); (P.A.T.N.)
| | - Nicia Diaz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Robert P. Hirt
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (N.P.B.); (R.P.H.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (V.M.); (N.D.); (D.D.); (P.L.F.)
- Mediterranean Centre for Disease Control (MCDC), 07110 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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11
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Myrtle-Functionalized Nanofibers Modulate Vaginal Cell Population Behavior While Counteracting Microbial Proliferation. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11121577. [PMID: 35736728 PMCID: PMC9227804 DOI: 10.3390/plants11121577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal infections affect millions of women annually worldwide. Therapeutic options are limited, moreover drug-resistance increases the need to find novel antimicrobials for health promotion. Recently phytochemicals were re-discovered for medical treatment. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) plant extracts showed in vitro antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to create novel nanodevices to deliver three natural extracts from leaves, seeds and fruit of myrtle, in vaginal milieu. We explored their effect on human cells (HeLa, Human Foreskin Fibroblast-1 line, and stem cells isolated from skin), resident microflora (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and on several vaginal pathogens (Trichomonas vaginalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei). Polycaprolactone-Gelatin nanofibers encapsulated with leaves extract and soaked with seed extracts exhibited a different capability in regard to counteracting microbial proliferation. Moreover, these nanodevices do not affect human cells and resident microflora viability. Results reveal that some of the tested nanofibers are interesting candidates for future vaginal infection treatments.
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12
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Dawood A, Algharib SA, Zhao G, Zhu T, Qi M, Delai K, Hao Z, Marawan MA, Shirani I, Guo A. Mycoplasmas as Host Pantropic and Specific Pathogens: Clinical Implications, Gene Transfer, Virulence Factors, and Future Perspectives. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855731. [PMID: 35646746 PMCID: PMC9137434 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas as economically important and pantropic pathogens can cause similar clinical diseases in different hosts by eluding host defense and establishing their niches despite their limited metabolic capacities. Besides, enormous undiscovered virulence has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of pathogenic mycoplasmas. On the other hand, they are host-specific pathogens with some highly pathogenic members that can colonize a vast number of habitats. Reshuffling mycoplasmas genetic information and evolving rapidly is a way to avoid their host's immune system. However, currently, only a few control measures exist against some mycoplasmosis which are far from satisfaction. This review aimed to provide an updated insight into the state of mycoplasmas as pathogens by summarizing and analyzing the comprehensive progress, current challenge, and future perspectives of mycoplasmas. It covers clinical implications of mycoplasmas in humans and domestic and wild animals, virulence-related factors, the process of gene transfer and its crucial prospects, the current application and future perspectives of nanotechnology for diagnosing and curing mycoplasmosis, Mycoplasma vaccination, and protective immunity. Several questions remain unanswered and are recommended to pay close attention to. The findings would be helpful to develop new strategies for basic and applied research on mycoplasmas and facilitate the control of mycoplasmosis for humans and various species of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dawood
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, Egypt
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Samah Attia Algharib
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, HZAU, Wuhan, China
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Gang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingpu Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kong Delai
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyu Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Marawan A. Marawan
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, Egypt
| | - Ihsanullah Shirani
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Para-Clinic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jalalabad, Afghanistan
| | - Aizhen Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Chen J, Huang Y, Xiao B, Deng H, Gong K, Li K, Li L, Hao W. Development of a RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a Assay for Rapid, Simple, and Sensitive Detection of Mycoplasma hominis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:842415. [PMID: 35464976 PMCID: PMC9024404 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.842415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma hominis, which is difficult to culture and identify by ordinary methods, is one of the smallest pathogens in the human genitourinary tract causing urogenital infections. A CRISPR-Cas12a-based detection system might provide a novel application for M. hominis nucleic acid detection in molecular diagnostics. A plasmid containing the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene of M. hominis (ATCC_27545) as the positive control was constructed by homologous recombination. The active Cas12a protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The primers for recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), the CRISPR RNA (crRNA), and the ratio of Cas12a to crRNA were further optimized. Finally, the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical effectiveness of the Cas12a detection system were confirmed. We successfully constructed and optimized a novel nucleic acid detection system for M. hominis based on RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a, and the whole process takes only 1 h. The limit of detection for the gap gene of M. hominis was 3 copies/μl and no cross-reactivity with other urogenital pathogens appeared. In the evaluation of 111 clinical samples, the sensitivity and specificity were both 1.000 and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 1.000 (p < 0.001), indicating that the RPA-Cas12a-fluorescent assay was fully comparable to the traditional culture method. Finally, the RPA-Cas12a detection system can also be combined with lateral flow strips (LFS) to achieve visual detection. We successfully developed a low-cost and rapid detection method of M. hominis based on RPA-Cas12a technology. This method realized by fluorescence value readout and visual detection by LFS could be applied in population screening and resource-limited conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Chen
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Antibody Engineering of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinger Huang
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Antibody Engineering of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Xiao
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Antibody Engineering of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Stem Cell Clinical Transformation and Application Center, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kunxiang Gong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Antibody Engineering of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linhai Li
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People’s Hospital, Qingyuan, China,*Correspondence: Linhai Li,
| | - Wenbo Hao
- Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Antibody Engineering of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Wenbo Hao,
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14
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Trichomonas vaginalis follow-up and persistence in Colombian women. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22597. [PMID: 34799668 PMCID: PMC8604905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), the most common non-viral sexually-transmitted infection is considered a neglected infection and its epidemiology is not well known. This study determined TV-infection dynamics in a retrospective cohort of Colombian women and evaluated associations between risk factors and TV-outcome. TV was identified by PCR. Cox proportional risk models were used for evaluating the relationship between TV-outcome (infection, clearance and persistence) and risk factors (sexually-transmitted infections and sociodemographic characteristics). Two hundred and sixty-four women were included in the study; 26.1% had TV at the start of the study, 40.9% suffered at least one episode of infection and 13.0% suffered more than one episode of TV during the study. Women suffering HPV had a greater risk of TV-infection (aHR 1.59), high viral-load (> 102) for HPV-16 being related to a greater risk of persistent parasite infection; a high viral load (> 102) for HPV-18 and -33 was related to a lower probability of TV-clearance. Ethnicity (afrodescendent/indigenous people: aHR 5.11) and having had more than two sexual partners (aHR 1.94) were related to greater risk of infection, contrasting with women having a background of abortions and lower probability of having TV (aHR 0.50). Women aged 35- to 49-years-old (aHR 2.08), increased years of sexual activity (aHR 1.10), multiple sexual partners (aHR 8.86) and multiparous women (aHR 3.85) led to a greater probability of persistence. Women whose cervical findings worsened had a 9.99 greater probability of TV-persistence. TV distribution was high in the study population; its coexistence with HPV and other risk factors influenced parasite infection dynamics. The results suggested that routine TV detection should be considered regarding populations at risk of infection.
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15
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Sun Z, Meng J, Wang S, Yang F, Liu T, Zeng X, Zhang D, Zhu H, Chi W, Liu Y, Jiang W, Ding L, Miao Y, Wu Y, Zhao H, Zhang Y. A New Multiplex Genetic Detection Assay Method for the Rapid Semi-Quantitative Detection of Six Common Curable Sexually Transmitted Pathogens From the Genital Tract. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:704037. [PMID: 34497776 PMCID: PMC8420868 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.704037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are some of the most common communicable conditions and exert impact on the health and lives of many hundreds of millions of people across the world every year. Screening high-risk populations and conducting comprehensive detection tests would lead to a significant improvement in preventing the transmission of STIs and help us to provide rapid treatment to those affected. Here, we successfully established and validated a novel high-throughput multiplex gene detection system (HMGS) for the simultaneous and semiquantitative detection of six important curable sexually transmitted pathogens in a single reaction from secretions samples. Method Fluorescently labeled primers were designed to target specific conserved and single-copy gene fragments of Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum), Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), and Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). The specificity and sensitivity of the STI-HMGS was validated and optimized using plasmids and quantitative genomic DNA. Next, we validated the performances of the STI-HMGS for clinical application by testing samples of clinical secretions collected from patients who visited the gynecology and urology outpatient clinics of our reproductive medicine center. Results derived from the STI-HMGS were then compared with three approved commercialized kits that used to detect U. urealyticum, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, respectively, followed by further validation with Sanger sequencing for all pathogens. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of epidemiology was performed among different subgroups to investigate the association between infection rates and clinically-relevant information. Results The sensitivity of STI-HMGS for six target genes was 10 copies/µL. Data derived from the detection of 381 clinical secretions demonstrated that the STI-HMGS exhibited high concordance rate compared with approved commercialized kits and almost 100% sensitivity and specificity for the detection of six sexually transmitted pathogens when validated by Sanger sequencing. Semi-quantitative analysis found that STIs caused by N. gonorrhoeae had a significantly higher (P<0.05) pathogen load than the other pathogens. Infections caused by C. trachomatis were significantly more common in younger individuals (P<0.05). We also found that U. urealyticum infections were more likely to happen in females; while the males were more affected by N. gonorrhoeae (P<0.05). Conclusions STI-HMGS proved to be an efficient method for the semi-quantitative detection of six important curable sexually transmitted pathogens and therefore represents an alternative method for the clinical detection and monitoring of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianping Zeng
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Dijun Zhang
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Haowei Zhu
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Wenjing Chi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenrong Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingxin Miao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Research and Development, Ningbo HEALTH Gene Technologies Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Affiliated With Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is an anaerobic/microaerophilic protist parasite which causes trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. T. vaginalis not only is important as a human pathogen but also is of great biological interest because of its peculiar cell biology and metabolism, in earlier times fostering the erroneous notion that this microorganism is at the root of eukaryotic evolution. This review summarizes the major advances in the last five years in the T. vaginalis field with regard to genetics, molecular biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Leitsch
- Department of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Henriquez FL, Mooney R, Bandel T, Giammarini E, Zeroual M, Fiori PL, Margarita V, Rappelli P, Dessì D. Paradigms of Protist/Bacteria Symbioses Affecting Human Health: Acanthamoeba species and Trichomonas vaginalis. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:616213. [PMID: 33488560 PMCID: PMC7817646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.616213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the publication of the seminal paper by Lynn Margulis in 1967 proposing the theory of the endosymbiotic origin of organelles, the study of the symbiotic relationships between unicellular eukaryotes and prokaryotes has received ever-growing attention by microbiologists and evolutionists alike. While the evolutionary significance of the endosymbiotic associations within protists has emerged and is intensively studied, the impact of these relationships on human health has been seldom taken into account. Microbial endosymbioses involving human eukaryotic pathogens are not common, and the sexually transmitted obligate parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and the free-living opportunistic pathogen Acanthamoeba represent two unique cases in this regard, to date. The reasons of this peculiarity for T. vaginalis and Acanthamoeba may be due to their lifestyles, characterized by bacteria-rich environments. However, this characteristic does not fully explain the reason why no bacterial endosymbiont has yet been detected in unicellular eukaryotic human pathogens other than in T. vaginalis and Acanthamoeba, albeit sparse and poorly investigated examples of morphological identification of bacteria-like microorganisms associated with Giardia and Entamoeba were reported in the past. In this review article we will present the body of experimental evidences revealing the profound effects of these examples of protist/bacteria symbiosis on the pathogenesis of the microbial species involved, and ultimately their impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona L Henriquez
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Ronnie Mooney
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Bandel
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Giammarini
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Zeroual
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Valentina Margarita
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Rappelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniele Dessì
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Mediterrenean Center for Disease Control, Sassari, Italy
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18
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Park HJ, Kim YT, Moon JY, Jin CE, Ko KH, Lee SH, Min O, Je YS, Lee M, Lee S, Kim YJ, Lee KR. Trend Analysis of the Profiles of 12 Sexually Transmitted Disease Pathogens in the Republic of Korea in 2019. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2021; 58:469580211065684. [PMID: 34930054 PMCID: PMC8721680 DOI: 10.1177/00469580211065684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common infectious diseases in humans transmitted through unprotected sexual activities. In South Korea, despite the high annual incidence of STDs, detailed examinations of pathogen-specific factors and causes for delays in diagnosis and treatment are still lacking. Furthermore, STD prevalence patterns and important pathogen-specific factors remain unclear. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed the epidemiology of STDs in South Korea in 2019 by analyzing the association of pathogen-specific infection patterns with factors such as sex, age, region, and month. Methods: We obtained the STD test results of 172,973 individuals from the Seoul Clinic Laboratory in 2019, most of whom had multiple infections; hence, 275,296 STD-positive cases were included in this analysis. Through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification, they were categorized by pathogen type. Subsequently, they were further classified by month, region, and age while concurrently being stratified according to sex. Results: Among the 12 pathogens detected in this study, Gardnerella vaginalis had the highest prevalence, with 92,490 cases in both sex groups; moreover, many of them were concurrently infected by two or more pathogens. The prevalence of STDs did not differ according to month or region. Conversely, the pathogen-specific prevalence rates significantly differed according to age. Older adults had higher prevalence rates of Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, and herpes simplex virus type 1 infections than younger adults. Conclusion: These pathogen-specific prevalence patterns provide information that helps to understand population vulnerability according to region and age and helps develop STD prevention and treatment strategies in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jee Park
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Tae Kim
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Young Moon
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong Eun Jin
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Han Ko
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-hyun Lee
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Okgi Min
- Molecular Diagnosis, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Je
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Companion Biomarker, SCL Healthcare Inc, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Mikyeong Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Companion Biomarker, SCL Healthcare Inc, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghoo Lee
- Center for Companion Biomarker, SCL Healthcare Inc, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Kim
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ryul Lee
- R & D Innovation Center, Seoul Clinical Laboratories, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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19
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Ahmed J, Rawre J, Dhawan N, Khanna N, Dhawan B. Mycoplasma hominis: An under recognized pathogen. Indian J Med Microbiol 2020; 39:88-97. [PMID: 33610259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma hominis, a commensal of the genital tract, is a potential underestimated pathogen causing both genitourinary and extragenital infections including neonatal infections. Septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infection, central nervous system (CNS) infections, infective endocarditis and abscess formation are common extragenital infections associated mainly with immunocompromised patients. Mycoplasma hominis lipoproteins play an important role in pathogenicity and directly interact with the host immune system. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the mainstay of diagnosis. Increasing resistance to tetracyclines and quinolones which are used for treatment, is a matter of global concern. We reviewed PubMed literature and Google search engine on the recent developments of association of Mycoplasma hominis with various diseases, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaweed Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Rawre
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Neha Dhawan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, India
| | - Neena Khanna
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Benu Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Bhakta SB, Moran JA, Mercer F. Neutrophil interactions with the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis: implications for immunity and pathogenesis. Open Biol 2020; 10:200192. [PMID: 32873151 PMCID: PMC7536067 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichomoniasis is the third most common sexually transmitted infection in humans and is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv). Pathogenic outcomes are more common in women and generally include mild vaginitis or cervicitis. However, more serious effects associated with trichomoniasis include adverse reproductive outcomes. Like other infectious agents, pathogenesis from Tv infection is predicted to be the result of both parasite and host factors. At the site of infection, neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells present and probably play key roles in both parasite clearance and inflammatory pathology. Here, we discuss the evidence that neutrophils home to the site of Tv infection, kill the parasite, and that in some circumstances, parasites possibly evade neutrophil-directed killing. In vitro, the parasite is killed by neutrophils using a novel antimicrobial mechanism called trogocytosis, which probably involves both innate and adaptive immunity. While mechanisms of evasion are mostly conjecture at present, the persistence of Tv infections in patients argues strongly for their existence. Additionally, many strains of Tv harbour microbial symbionts Mycoplasma hominis or Trichomonasvirus, which are both predicted to impact neutrophil responses against the parasite. Novel research tools, especially animal models, will help to reveal the true outcomes of many factors involved in neutrophil-Tv interactions during trichomoniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA
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