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Fernández-Edreira D, Liñares-Blanco J, V.-del-Río P, Fernandez-Lozano C. VIBES: A consensus subtyping of the vaginal microbiota reveals novel classification criteria. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:148-156. [PMID: 38144944 PMCID: PMC10749217 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.11.050] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a robust classification scheme for stratifying patients based on vaginal microbiome. By employing consensus clustering analysis, we identified four distinct clusters using a cohort that includes individuals diagnosed with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) as well as control participants, each characterized by unique patterns of microbiome species abundances. Notably, the consistent distribution of these clusters was observed across multiple external cohorts, such as SRA022855, SRA051298, PRJNA208535, PRJNA797778, and PRJNA302078 obtained from public repositories, demonstrating the generalizability of our findings. We further trained an elastic net model to predict these clusters, and its performance was evaluated in various external cohorts. Moreover, we developed VIBES, a user-friendly R package that encapsulates the model for convenient implementation and enables easy predictions on new data. Remarkably, we explored the applicability of this new classification scheme in providing valuable insights into disease progression, treatment response, and potential clinical outcomes in BV patients. Specifically, we demonstrated that the combined output of VIBES and VALENCIA scores could effectively predict the response to metronidazole antibiotic treatment in BV patients. Therefore, this study's outcomes contribute to our understanding of BV heterogeneity and lay the groundwork for personalized approaches to BV management and treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Edreira
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Faculty of Computer Science, CITIC-Research Center of Information and Communication Technologies, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | - Patricia V.-del-Río
- Servicio de Ginecología, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti (HULA). Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Spain
| | - Carlos Fernandez-Lozano
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, Faculty of Computer Science, CITIC-Research Center of Information and Communication Technologies, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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Swidsinski A, Amann R, Guschin A, Swidsinski S, Loening-Baucke V, Mendling W, Sobel JD, Lamont RF, Vaneechoutte M, Baptista PV, Bradshaw CS, Kogan IY, Savicheva АM, Mitrokhin OV, Swidsinski NW, Sukhikh GT, Priputnevich TV, Apolikhina IA, Dörffel Y. Polymicrobial Consortia in the Pathogenesis of Biofilm Vaginosis Visualized by FISH. Historic Review Outlining the Basic Principles of the Polymicrobial Infection Theory. Microbes Infect 2024:105403. [PMID: 39127090 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Swidsinski
- Moleculargenetic Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms, Universitätsmedizin Berlin CCM Charité, 10098 Deutschland; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Public Health, Department of General Hygiene, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Rudolf Amann
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Department of Molecular Ecology, Celsiusstr. 1 D-28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Guschin
- Molecular-genetic laboratory, division polymicrobial infections. Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, 119071 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Sonja Swidsinski
- Moleculargenetic Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms, Universitätsmedizin Berlin CCM Charité, 10098, Germany.
| | - Vera Loening-Baucke
- Moleculargenetic Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms, Universitätsmedizin Berlin CCM Charité, 10098, Germany.
| | - Werner Mendling
- Das Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionen in Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Landesfrauenklinik Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal - Universität Witten/Herdecke, Heusnerstraße 40, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mk. 48322, USA.
| | - Ronald F Lamont
- BSc MB ChB DM FRCOG University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research Campus, University College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Mario Vaneechoutte
- Laboratory Bacteriology Research Department Diagnostic Sciences GE32, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences Ghent University, Flanders, Belgium; Medical Research Building II, 1st Floor Ghent University Hospital, Entrance 38 C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 GENT, Belgium.
| | - Pedro Vieira Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria; Australia Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Hospital, Carlton, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and 99 Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Igor Yu Kogan
- D.O. Ott Res.Inst Ob/Gyn/ Rep, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Аlevtina M Savicheva
- Department of Medical Microbiology, D.O. Ott Res.Inst Ob/Gyn/ Rep, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia; St. Petersburg State Pediatric Med. University, 194100, St. Petersburg, Russia; Center for Resistance of Polymicrobial Communities and Biofilms.
| | - Oleg V Mitrokhin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Public health, Department of General Hygiene, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Nadezhda W Swidsinski
- Laboratory for ecology and clinical implications of polymicrobial Infections I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Public Health, Department of General Hygiene, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Gennadiy T Sukhikh
- Microbiological Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health,117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Tatjana V Priputnevich
- Microbiological Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health,117997 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Inna A Apolikhina
- Clinic division for polymicrobial infections in gynaecology, Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia.
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, CCM, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Fan C, Basharat Z, Mah K, Wei CR. Computational approach for drug discovery against Gardnerella vaginalis in quest for safer and effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17437. [PMID: 39075099 PMCID: PMC11286753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), primarily attributed to Gardnerella vaginalis, poses significant challenges due to antibiotic resistance and suboptimal treatment outcomes. This study presents an integrated approach to identify potential drug targets and screen compounds against this bacterium by leveraging a computational methodology. Subtractive proteomics of the reference strain ASM286196v1/UMB0386 (assembly accession: GCA_002861965.1) facilitated the prioritization of proteins with essential bacterial functions and pathways as potential drug targets. We selected 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase (aroG gene product; also known as DAHP synthase) for downstream analysis. Molecular docking was employed in PyRx (AutoDock Vina) to predict binding affinities between aroG inhibitors from the ZINC database and 3-deoxy-7-phosphoheptulonate synthase. Molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns, using GROMACS, validated the stability of drug-target interactions. Additionally, ADMET profiling aided in the selection of compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile for human hosts. PBPK profiling showed that ZINC98088375 had the highest bioavailability and efficient systemic circulation. Conversely, ZINC5113880 demonstrated the lowest absorption rate (39.661%). Moreover, cirrhosis, steatosis, and renal impairment appeared to influence blood concentration of the drug, impacting bioavailability. The integrative -omics approach utilized in this study underscores the potential of computer-aided drug design and offers a rational strategy for targeted inhibitor discovery against G. vaginalis. The strategy is an attempt to address the limitations of current BV treatments, including antibiotic resistance, and pave way for the development of safer and more effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Fan
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, 85721, USA
| | | | - Karmen Mah
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Calvin R Wei
- Department of Research and Development, Shing Huei Group, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
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Qing X, Xie M, Liu P, Feng O, Leng H, Guo H, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zheng W. Correlation between dysbiosis of vaginal microecology and endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306780. [PMID: 38976704 PMCID: PMC11230536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis, a complex gynecological condition, involves inflammation and immune dysregulation. The vaginal microbiota, characterized by its diversity, is an integral part of the vaginal microecology-interacting with vaginal anatomy, the endocrine system, and local mucosal immunity. Imbalances in this microecology are known to precipitate various inflammatory diseases. Despite extensive research, the connection between vaginal microbiota dysbiosis and endometriosis remains a subject of debate. Our study assesses the association between vaginal microecology dysbiosis and endometriosis. METHODS We systematically searched major electronic databases in English, including Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (Ovid), BIOSIS (Ovid), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang, up to August 15, 2023. Selected articles underwent screening based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Normal vaginal microecology was defined as a negative Amsel/Spiegel test or Nugent score of 0-3, or Lactobacillus predominance determined by 16S rRNA gene amplification sequencing. Deviations from this norm were classified as dysbiosis, further categorized into bacterial vaginosis (BV) and intermediate BV. Data analysis utilized Revman 5.4, with effect sizes presented as Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). RESULTS Out of 1081 articles, eight met the inclusion criteria. Utilizing fixed-effect models due to low heterogeneity, the analysis revealed a positive association between dysbiosis and endometriosis (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.81-1.70; I2 = 0%), but showed a slight negative association between normal vaginal microecology with endometriosis (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.55-1.46; I2 = 29%). However, the association was not significant. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses corroborated the stability of these associations. CONCLUSION A positive correlation exists between vaginal microecology dysbiosis and endometriosis, notably with intermediate BV. However, the mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain elusive, highlighting the need for further research to overcome limitations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number: CRD42023445163.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Qing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ou Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongying Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingbaijiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenxin Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology, Harold C Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
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Saleh RO, Salahdin OD, Ahmad I, Bansal P, Kaur H, Deorari M, Hjazi A, Abosaoda MK, Mohammed IH, Jawad MA. An updated study of the relationship between bacterial infections and women's immune system, focusing on bacterial compositions with successful pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 165:104283. [PMID: 38991487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104283] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Genital tract infections can cause a variety of harmful health outcomes, including endometritis, bacterial vaginosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, in addition to infertility. Anaerobic bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Megasphaera spp., and Atopobium vaginae, are more commonly identified in cases of bacterial vaginosis than lactobacilli. It is unknown how the microorganisms that cause pelvic inflammatory diseases and endometritis enter the uterus. Both prospective and retrospective research have connected pelvic inflammatory disorders, chronic endometritis, and bacterial vaginosis to infertility. Similar to bacterial vaginosis, endometritis-related infertility is probably caused by a variety of factors, such as inflammation, immune system recognition of sperm antigens, bacterial toxins, and a higher risk of STDs. Preconception care for symptomatic women may include diagnosing and treating pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic endometritis, and bacterial vaginosis before conception to optimize the results of both natural and assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Obaid Saleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar, Iraq
| | | | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pooja Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh 247341, India; Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand 831001, India
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of Pharmacy, the Islamic University of Babylon, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | | | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
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Lin LT, Li CJ, Wu CC, Pan LF, Tsui KH. Pilot Study on Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Vaginal Microbiota in Clinically Infertile Patients Treated with Probiotics. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3420. [PMID: 38929949 PMCID: PMC11204178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123420] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In this investigation, we aimed to understand the influence of oral probiotic supplementation on the vaginal microbiota of women preparing for assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Given the importance of a healthy microbiome for reproductive success, this study sought to explore how probiotics might alter the bacterial composition in the vaginal environment. Methods: We recruited a cohort of 30 women, averaging 37 years of age (ranging from 31 to 43 years), who were scheduled to undergo ART. Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing, we meticulously analyzed the vaginal microbiota composition before and after the administration of oral probiotic supplements. Results: Our analysis identified 17 distinct microorganisms, including 8 species of Lactobacillus. Following probiotic supplementation, we observed subtle yet notable changes in the vaginal microbiota of some participants. Specifically, there was a decrease in Gardnerella abundance by approximately 20%, and increases in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium by 10% and 15%, respectively. Additionally, we noted a significant reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the probiotic group, indicating potential shifts in the overall bacterial composition. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that oral probiotic supplementation can induce significant changes in the vaginal microbiota of middle-aged women undergoing ART, potentially improving their overall bacterial profile. Future studies should consider a larger sample size and a narrower age range to validate these results. Investigating factors related to female hormone production could also provide deeper insights. Understanding the effects of probiotics on the vaginal microbiota in patients with ovarian aging may lead to personalized interventions and better reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Li-Fei Pan
- Department of General Affair Office, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan;
- College of Finance and Banking, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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Gao M, Manos J, Whiteley G, Zablotska-Manos I. Antibiofilm Agents for the Treatment and Prevention of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Systematic Narrative Review. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae134. [PMID: 38680027 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae134] [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: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is difficult to eradicate due to BV biofilms protecting BV bacteria (Gardnerella, Prevotella, and other genera). With the growing understanding of biofilms, we systematically reviewed the current knowledge on the efficacy of anti-BV biofilm agents. METHODS We searched literature in the Scopus, Medline, and Embase databases for empirical studies investigating substances for the treatment of BV biofilms or prevention of their recurrence and their efficacy and/or safety. RESULTS Of 201 unique titles, 35 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Most studies (89%) reported on preclinical laboratory research on the efficacy of experimental antibiofilm agents (80%) rather than their safety. Over 50% were published within the past 5 years. Agents were classified into 7 groups: antibiotics, antiseptics, cationic peptides, enzymes, plant extracts, probiotics, and surfactants/surfactant components. Enzymes and probiotics were most commonly investigated. Earlier reports of antibiotics having anti-BV biofilm activity have not been confirmed. Some compounds from other classes demonstrated promising anti-BV biofilm efficacy in early studies. CONCLUSIONS Further research is anticipated on successful antibiofilm agents. If confirmed as effective and safe in human clinical trials, they may offer a breakthrough in BV treatment. With rising antibiotic resistance, antibiofilm agents will significantly improve the current standard of care for BV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gao
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jim Manos
- Infection Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW Australia
| | - Greg Whiteley
- Infection Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW Australia
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Whiteley Corporation, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iryna Zablotska-Manos
- Sydney Institute of Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
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8
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Zhang Y, He Z. Inflammatory mediators in bacterial vaginosis: The role of cytokines. APMIS 2024; 132:245-255. [PMID: 38345182 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13380] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BV is a significant concern in women's health with a varying prevalence rate in different cities of China. The condition has been linked to the acquisition of STIs, including HIV and HPV, and can lead to infertility, adverse obstetric outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the PubMed. The search was performed from 01/01/2018 to 01/09/2023. The following search terms were used: bacterial vaginosis and cytokine. We also manually searched the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews to identify additional articles. The presence of Gardnerella spp. can lead to changes in cytokine levels. The immune system of the female reproductive tract consists of various immune cells and molecules that play a vital role in defending against infections. Cytokines, signaling molecules involved in immune cell recruitment and activation, have been identified as potential biomarkers for diagnosing BV and predicting STIs. Current treatments for BV primarily involve antibiotics, but there is a high recurrence rate posttreatment. BV is a complex condition that affects a significant number of women worldwide. The role of cytokines in the onset, progression, and treatment of BV offers promising avenues for future research and potential diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexin Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi He
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Meng Y, Sun J, Zhang G. Vaginal microbiota transplantation is a truly opulent and promising edge: fully grasp its potential. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1280636. [PMID: 38585656 PMCID: PMC10995359 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1280636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) is a cutting-edge treatment modality that has the potential to revolutionize the management of vaginal disorders. The human vagina is a complex and dynamic ecosystem home to a diverse community of microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the female reproductive system. However, when the balance of this ecosystem is disrupted, it can lead to the development of various vaginal disorders. Conventional treatments, such as antibiotics and antifungal medications, can temporarily relieve the symptoms of vaginal disorders. However, they often fail to address the underlying cause of the problem, which is the disruption of the vaginal microbiota. In recent years, VMT has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach that aims to restore the balance of the vaginal ecosystem. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of VMT in treating bacterial vaginosis, recurrent yeast infections, and other vaginal conditions. The procedure has also shown promising results in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth in pregnant women. However, more research is needed to establish optimal donor selection, preparation, and screening protocols, as well as long-term safety and efficacy. VMT offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for women with persistent vaginal problems. It could improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide and become a standard treatment option shortly. With further research and development, it could potentially treat a wide range of other health problems beyond the scope of vaginal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Meng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Biobank, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Guirong Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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10
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Marti DT, Bratosin F, Rosca O, Folescu R, Citu C, Ratiu A, Popa ZL. Impact of Genital Infections and Antibiotic Use on Incidence of Preterm Birth: A Retrospective Observational Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38534675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030240] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the complex interplay among genital infections, antibiotic usage, and preterm birth. This study aims to identify common genital pathogens associated with preterm births, assess the impact of various antibiotic treatments on pregnancy outcomes, and understand antibiotic resistance patterns among these pathogens. This study included 71 pregnant women who experienced preterm birth and 94 women with genital infections who delivered at term. Various maternal characteristics, medical history, signs and symptoms, gestational weight, gestational age, type of birth, vaginal pH, Nugent scores, and vaginal flora were analyzed. Antibiotic resistance patterns of isolated microorganisms were also examined. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and genital herpes was significantly higher in the preterm group. Preterm births were associated with fever, pelvic pain, vaginal spotting, and fatigue. Vaginal pH levels and Nugent scores were significantly higher in the preterm group, indicating disturbed vaginal flora. The presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) was a particularly strong risk factor, increasing by more than four times the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.45, p = 0.001). Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) presence was another critical factor, with a four-fold increase in the odds of preterm birth (OR = 4.01, p = 0.034). The overall presence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) organisms significantly increased the odds of preterm birth (OR = 3.73, p = 0.001). Specific pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis (OR = 3.12, p = 0.020) and Mycoplasma hominis (OR = 3.64, p = 0.006) were also identified as significant risk factors. Ureaplasma urealyticum also showed a significantly higher risk of preterm birth (OR = 2.76, p = 0.009). This study highlights the importance of screening for and treating genital infections during pregnancy, especially STDs and genital herpes, as they can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, the presence of specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns plays an essential role in preterm birth risk. Early detection and targeted antibiotic treatment may help mitigate this risk and improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Teodora Marti
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Arad County, 310037 Arad, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis University of Medicine, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Folescu
- Department of Family Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Citu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Ratiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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11
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Thompson HM, Rusie LK, Schneider JA, Mehta SD. Bacterial vaginosis testing gaps for transmasculine patients may exacerbate health disparities. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1344111. [PMID: 38449898 PMCID: PMC10916334 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1344111] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with non-optimal changes in the vaginal microbiome and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV in cisgender women. Much less is known about the sexual health of transmasculine people and susceptibility to BV, STIs, and HIV. This study's objective was to assess BV testing and outcomes of transmasculine and cisgender women patient populations at a large, LGBTQ + federally qualified health center. Methods Retrospective electronic health record data were extracted for eligible patients having at least one primary care visit between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Transmasculine patients were limited to those with a testosterone prescription in 2021. We conducted log binomial regression analysis to determine the probability of receiving a BV test based on gender identity, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Results During 2021, 4,903 cisgender women patients and 1,867 transmasculine patients had at least one primary care visit. Compared to cisgender women, transmasculine patients were disproportionately young, White, queer, privately insured, living outside Chicago, and had a lower rate of BV testing (1.9% v. 17.3%, p < 0.001). Controlling for sociodemographics, transmasculine patients were less likely to receive a BV test [Prevalence Ratio = 0.19 (95% CI 0.13-0.27)]. Discussion The low rate of BV testing among transmasculine patients may contribute to disparities in reproductive health outcomes. Prospective community- and provider-engaged research is needed to better understand the multifactorial determinants for sexual healthcare and gender-affirming care for transmasculine patients. In particular, the impact of exogenous testosterone on the vaginal microbiome should also be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hale M. Thompson
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Laura K. Rusie
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
- Division of Infectious Disease Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John A. Schneider
- Center for Education, Research & Advocacy, Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Department of Infectious Disease, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Supriya D. Mehta
- Division of Infectious Disease Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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12
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Chudzicka-Strugała I, Gołębiewska I, Banaszewska B, Trzciński M, Brudecki G, Elamin W, Zwoździak B. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Vaginal Microbiome Disorders in Women Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:404. [PMID: 38396443 PMCID: PMC10888114 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040404] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder in women. Due to its association with the menstrual cycle and fertility disorders, the importance of this problem is emphasized especially in patients of reproductive age. Based on a number of analyses, the effect of PCOS on altering the diversity of the microbiome (e.g., intestinal or vaginal) is suggested. Vaginal dysbiosis can result in BV (bacterial vaginosis). The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of BV in patients with PCOS, as well as to determine the most reliable diagnostic factors. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of microbiological findings (2018-2022) of PCOS patients (n = 594) of reproductive age. The present analysis focused on the results of patients with PCOS (n = 380) and vaginal discharge with pH ≥ 4.4 and suspected BV. Biological material was a vaginal swab/vaginal secretion. The most commonly used routine methods for assessing BV were the Amsel analysis and the Nugent scoring system. Results: Patients with PCOS and vaginal fluid pH ≥ 4.4 and suspected BV (n = 380) accounted for 64% of all PCOS patients (n = 594). The relationship between pH and detection of "clue cells" showed significant dependency and increased with leukocytes. The pH measurement also showed dependency on high G. vaginalis counts. In addition, the elimination of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in vaginal secretions was associated with an increase in the number of leukocytes with increasing pH values. A marked increase in G. vaginalis was found in more than half (56.8%) of PCOS women (n = 380) with suspected BV. No dependency was observed between the absence of LAB and the diagnosis of BV on a positive G. vaginalis culture. Of the n = 380 patients with PCOS, 191 (50%) had a Nugent score ≥ 7 positive for BV. No dependency was observed between the number of patients with Candida sp. in vaginal secretions and pH, BV (with clue cells), or elevated leukocyte levels. The LRM was adjusted and the statistical model represented by the following formula was obtained: log(p/(1 - p)) = -1.18 + 1.24 × Group4.6 + 1.08 × Group4.8 + 1.66 × Group5.4. Conclusions: Based on the present analysis, BV appears to be more common in patients with PCOS than in the non-PCOS population. Chronic inflammation in PCOS patients and abnormalities in the vaginal microbiome may predispose to the development of BV. In women with PCOS, BV may be one of the unrecognized causes of infertility or complications of pregnancy. Despite the potential link between PCOS and the development of BV, the extent to which this syndrome contributes to vaginal dysbiosis and reproductive complications requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Chudzicka-Strugała
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (I.C.-S.); (B.Z.)
| | | | - Beata Banaszewska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szamarzewskiego 82/84, 60-569 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Trzciński
- Department of Infertility Diagnostics and Treatment, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Brudecki
- Group 42 (Healthcare), Masdar City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112778, United Arab Emirates; (G.B.); (W.E.)
| | - Wael Elamin
- Group 42 (Healthcare), Masdar City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112778, United Arab Emirates; (G.B.); (W.E.)
| | - Barbara Zwoździak
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (I.C.-S.); (B.Z.)
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13
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Mala R, Malhotra S, Singh N, Gupta S, Upadhyay DA, Kapil A, Sood S. Deciphering Intermediate Nugent scores: Utility of Real-time PCR for Bacterial Vaginosis diagnosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116152. [PMID: 38061216 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To optimize real-time PCR assays for diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and determine cut-off loads by ROC analysis for Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Lactobacillus spp. as compared to Nugent scoring (Gold standard) in clinical samples. RESULTS Out of 125 women, 34 were positive, 26 intermediate and 65 negative for BV by Nugent scoring. All three real-time PCR assays were found to be highly sensitive & specific and AUC suggested excellent diagnostic accuracy. An optimal cut-off was >9.45 × 103 copies/ ml, >3.34 × 103 copies/ ml & ≤ 18.63 × 103 copies/ ml for G. vaginalis, A. vaginae and Lactobacillus spp. respectively, in BV positives. Gram staining and qPCR were discordant only in patients with intermediate scores (n = 26) where qPCR identified 15 (57.69%) as positive and 11 (42.3%) as negative. CONCLUSION PCR-based molecular BV diagnosis is more accurate and can be used for deciphering intermediate Nugent scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mala
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - S Malhotra
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - N Singh
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - S Gupta
- Department of Dermatology & Venereology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - D A Upadhyay
- Department of Biostatistics, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - A Kapil
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - S Sood
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
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14
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Qian Y, Qian G, Ni H, Zhu D, Gu W, Cai X. Exploratory study on the mechanism of necrotic effect of nourishing cells in the context of genital tract infection in premature rupture of membranes. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36148. [PMID: 38115314 PMCID: PMC10727640 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the mechanism of necrotic effect of nourishing cells in the context of genital tract infection in premature rupture of membranes (PROM). One hundred eight patients with PROM treated at our hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the PROM group. Simultaneously, 108 cases of normal full-term pregnant women were chosen as the control group. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the relative expression levels of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin (IL)-1β proteins, which are associated with necrosis of placental nourishing cells, in the placenta of both groups. TUNEL staining was used to detect the number of apoptotic placental nourishing cells. The differences in necrotic factors of placental nourishing cells were analyzed between full-term and preterm cases in the PROM group, as well as among patients with different genital tract infections. The apoptotic count of placental nourishing cells in the PROM group was 58.46 ± 11.26 cells/field, which was markedly higher than that of the control group (P < .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1β proteins in placental nourishing cells of the PROM group were 1.32 ± 0.26, 1.19 ± 0.30, 1.29 ± 0.28, and 1.23 ± 0.24, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1β proteins in placental nourishing cells were compared between full-term and preterm patients in the PROM group (P > .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1β proteins in placental nourishing cells were higher in patients with multiple genital tract infections compared to those with single infections or no infections in the PROM group (P < .05). PROM is associated with a significant upregulation of placental nourishing cell apoptosis and necrotic factors, including Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1β proteins. This upregulation is correlated with the presence of genital tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guiying Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyan Ni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danying Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiqun Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ximei Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Development of 3D-printed vaginal devices containing metronidazole for alternative bacterial vaginosis treatment. Int J Pharm X 2023; 5:100142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2022.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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16
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Avila-Huerta M, Leyva-Hidalgo K, Cortés-Sarabia K, Estrada-Moreno AK, Vences-Velázquez A, Morales-Narváez E. Disposable Device for Bacterial Vaginosis Detection. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2023; 3:355-360. [PMID: 37868361 PMCID: PMC10588930 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.3c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing demand for clinical testing of infectious diseases at the point-of-care, the global market claims alternatives for rapid diagnosis tools such as disposable biosensors, avoiding the need for specialized laboratories and skilled personnel. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infectious disease that commonly affects reproductive-age women and predisposes the infection of sexually transmitted diseases. Especially in asymptomatic cases, BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory conditions, postpartum endometritis, and preterm labor. Conventionally, BV diagnosis involves the microscopic analysis of vaginal swab samples; it thus requires highly trained personnel. In response, we report a novel microfluidic paper-based analytical device for BV diagnosis. Sialidase, a biomarker overexpressed in BV, was detected by exploiting an immunosensing mechanism previously discovered by our team. This technology employs a graphene oxide-coated surface as a quencher of fluorescence; the fluorescence of the immunoprobes that do not experiment immunoreactions (antibody-antigen) are deactivated by graphene oxide via non-radiative energy transfer, whereas those immunoprobes undergoing immunoreactions preserve their photoluminescence due to the distance and the low affinity between the immunocomplex and the graphene oxide-coated surface. Our paper-based test was typically carried out within 20 min, and the sample volume was 6 μL. Besides, it was tested with 14 vaginal swabs specimens to discriminate clinical samples of women with normal microbiota from those with BV. Our disposable device represents a new tool to prevent the consequences of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana
D. Avila-Huerta
- Centro
de Investigaciones en Óptica, A. C., Loma del Bosque 115, Lomas del Campestre, León 37150, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Karina Leyva-Hidalgo
- Centro
de Investigaciones en Óptica, A. C., Loma del Bosque 115, Lomas del Campestre, León 37150, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Facultad
de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Karen Cortés-Sarabia
- Facultad
de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Ana K. Estrada-Moreno
- Facultad
de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Amalia Vences-Velázquez
- Facultad
de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Eden Morales-Narváez
- Centro
de Investigaciones en Óptica, A. C., Loma del Bosque 115, Lomas del Campestre, León 37150, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Biophotonic
Nanosensors Laboratory, Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología
Avanzada (CFATA), Universidad Nacional Autónoma
de México (UNAM), Querétaro 76230, Mexico
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17
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Gill B, Schwecht I, Rahman N, Dhawan T, Verschoor C, Nazli A, Kaushic C. Metabolic signature for a dysbiotic microbiome in the female genital tract: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13781. [PMID: 37766408 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13781] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiome (VMB) is a critical determinant of reproductive health, where a microbial shift towards a dysbiotic environment has implications for susceptibility to, and clinical presentation of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Metabolomic profiling of the vaginal microenvironment has led to the identification of metabolic responses to clinical conditions of dysbiosis. However, no studies have examined metabolic markers that are common across conditions and can serve as a signature for vaginal dysbiosis. METHOD OF STUDY We have conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to identify consistently deregulated metabolites along with their impact on host and microbial metabolism during dysbiosis. We employed two complementary approaches including a vote counting analysis for all eligible studies identified in the systematic review, in addition to a meta-analysis for a subset of studies with sufficient available data. Significantly deregulated metabolites were then selected for pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS Our results revealed a total of 502 altered metabolites reported across 10 dysbiotic conditions from 16 studies. Following a rigorous, collective analysis, six metabolites which were consistently downregulated and could be generalized to all dysbiotic conditions were identified. In addition, five downregulated and one upregulated metabolite was identified from a bacterial vaginosis (BV) focused sub-analysis. These metabolites have the potential to serve as a metabolic signature for vaginal dysbiosis. Their role in eight altered metabolic pathways indicates a disruption of amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism during dysbiosis. CONCLUSION Based on this analysis, we propose a schematic model outlining the common metabolic perturbations associated with vaginal dysbiosis, which can be potential targets for therapeutics and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biban Gill
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ingrid Schwecht
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nuzhat Rahman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tushar Dhawan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Chris Verschoor
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Aisha Nazli
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Center, Michael G. DeGroote Center for Learning and Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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18
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Tandon D, Shah N, Goriwale M, Karandikar K, Begum S, Patil AD, Munne K, Kamat S, Aranha C, Bhor VM. Mapping the vaginal microbiota variations in women from a community clinic in Mumbai, India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2023; 45:100393. [PMID: 37573043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2023.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The vaginal microbiome contributes significantly to women's reproductive health and fluctuates due to various physiological and pathological factors. The study's objective is to map the vaginal microbiome of non-pregnant women and evaluate variations based on various potential factors influencing vaginal milieu. METHODS Fifty-two sexually active, non-pregnant women between 18 and 45 years were recruited from a community clinic and clinical history was recorded. Vaginal swabs were collected to assess the vaginal microbiome by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA using the Illumina HiSeq platform, followed by data analysis with QIIME 2. Vaginal milieu was assessed by Nugent score and profiling cytokines in the cervico-vaginal lavage. RESULTS Lactobacillus iners (34.3%) were the most abundant species in all women. Significant changes in abundance of genera (Lactobacillus, Prevotella and Anaerococcus), expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and changes in alpha and beta diversity was observed in women having asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV). Differences in beta diversity were seen between healthy women and women exhibiting presence of Candida spp. Variations in the abundance of genera (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Porphyromonas) were observed in women who had delivery less than twelve months back, probably as more of these women (50%, 53.7%) had higher abnormal Nugent score. CONCLUSION Lactobacillus iners was the most prevalent vaginal species in women from a Mumbai community clinic. Maximum variations in the vaginal microbiome characterized by a perturbation of the Lactobacillus predominant vaginal microbiota are seen in those women who have asymptomatic BV and childbirth within last twelve months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Tandon
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Nainisha Shah
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Mayuri Goriwale
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Kalyani Karandikar
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Shahina Begum
- Department of Biostatistics, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Maharashtra, India.
| | - Anushree D Patil
- Department of Clinical Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Kiran Munne
- Department of Child Health Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Sharmila Kamat
- Department of Child Health Research, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Clara Aranha
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Vikrant M Bhor
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
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Qin H, Liu Y, Zhai Z, Xiao B. Biofilm-Forming Capacity and Drug Resistance of Different Gardnerella Subgroups Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2186. [PMID: 37764030 PMCID: PMC10534620 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092186] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common infection of the lower reproductive tract among women of reproductive age. Recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance associated with biofilms remain significant challenges for BV treatment. Gardnerella species are commonly found in women with and without BV, indicating that genetic differences among Gardnerella isolates may distinguish pathogenic from commensal subgroups. This study isolated 11 Gardnerella strains from vaginal samples obtained from women with BV before or after treatment. The biofilm formation ability of each strain was examined by crystal violet staining. Eight strains were selected using phylogenetic analysis of the cpn60 sequences and classified as subgroups A (6/8), B (1/8), and D (1/8). The biofilm formation ability and antibiotic resistance profile of these strains was compared among the subgroups. Subgroup D had the strongest biofilm formation ability. Six of the planktonic strains exhibited resistance to the first-line BV drug, metronidazole, and one to clindamycin. Moreover, biofilm formation in vitro increased strain resistance to clindamycin. Two strains with strong biofilm ability, S20 and S23, and two with weak biofilm ability, S24 and S25, were selected for comparative genomic analysis. S20 and S23 were found to contain four key genes associated with biofilm formation and more genes involved in carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism than S24 and S25. Identifying differences in the expression of virulence factors between Gardnerella subgroups could inform the development of novel treatments for BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yun Liu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhengyuan Zhai
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China (Z.Z.)
| | - Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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20
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Muzny CA, Cerca N, Elnaggar JH, Taylor CM, Sobel JD, Van Der Pol B. State of the Art for Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0083722. [PMID: 37199636 PMCID: PMC10446871 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00837-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among reproductive-age women. It is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, including increased risk of acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in addition to adverse birth outcomes. While it is known that BV is a vaginal dysbiosis characterized by a shift in the vaginal microbiota from protective Lactobacillus species to an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria, its exact etiology remains unknown. The purpose of this minireview is to provide an updated overview of the range of tests currently used for the diagnosis of BV in both clinical and research settings. This article is divided into two primary sections: traditional BV diagnostics and molecular diagnostics. Molecular diagnostic assays, particularly 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are specifically highlighted, in addition to multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), given their increasing use in clinical practice (NAATs) and research studies (16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and FISH) regarding the vaginal microbiota and BV pathogenesis. We also provide a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of current BV diagnostic tests and discuss future challenges in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A. Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering, Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jacob H. Elnaggar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Christopher M. Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jack D. Sobel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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21
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Zeng X, An R, Li H. Risk factors of recurrent bacterial vaginosis among women of reproductive age: A cross-sectional study. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230743. [PMID: 37588657 PMCID: PMC10426266 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore risk factors of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) among women of reproductive age. This cross-sectional study was carried out in real-world conditions. Women with RBV were selected, and simultaneously uncomplicated bacterial vaginosis (UBV) and those who underwent routine gynecological examination and had normal vaginal microflora were also recruited as the control. Totally, 316 participants were enrolled. Univariate analysis showed that unemployment, desserts, and wiping were related to UBV, while there was no definite relationship between education, high body mass index, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and RBV or UBV. History of human papillomavirus infection, contraceptive methods, age at first sexual intercourse, and not cleaning vulva during sexual activity were connected with UBV, while the history of other vaginitis and number of sexual partners in the previous year were related to both RBV and UBV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lower educational level increased the risk of suffering RBV. Interestingly, no smoking was a protective factor. Moreover, the absence of other vaginitis and an exclusive sexual partner could also weaken the risk of incurring RBV. These various adverse factors alter endocrine function and vaginal immunity, further leading to the recurrence of BV. It is necessary to take corresponding measures to avoid risk factors and to help lessening the prevalence of RBV among women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianling Zeng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Ruifang An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an710061, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an710061, China
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22
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Qin H, Jiao J, A D, Hua M, Han K, Du H, Wang Z, Li J, Zhang D, Xiao B, Chen C. Single-Molecule Approach to 16S rRNA for Vaginal Microbiome Signatures in Response to Metronidazole Treatment. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0170622. [PMID: 37199621 PMCID: PMC10269914 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01706-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common infection of the lower reproductive tract among women of reproductive age, characterized by a depletion of health-associated Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of anaerobes. Metronidazole has been recommended as a first-line therapy for treating BV for decades. Although most cases are cured by the treatment, recurrent infections of BV seriously affect women's reproductive health. Until now, limited information on the vaginal microbiota has been explored at the species level. Here, we adopted a single molecular sequencing approach for the 16S rRNA gene, named FLAST (full-length assembly sequencing technology), to analyze the human vaginal microbiota that improved species-level resolution for taxonomy and identified microbiota alterations in the vaginal tract in response to treatment with metronidazole. Appling high-throughput sequencing, we identified 96 and 189 novel full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences in Lactobacillus and Prevotella, respectively, which had not previously been reported in vaginal samples. Moreover, we found that Lactobacillus iners was significantly enriched in the cured group before metronidazole treatment, and that was maintained in a high frequency after the treatment, suggesting an important role for this species in response to metronidazole treatment. Our research also highlights the importance of the single-molecule paradigm for progressing the field of microbiology and applying these insights to better understand the dynamic microbiota during BV treatment. Subsequent novel treatment approaches should be proposed to improve BV treatment outcomes, optimize the vaginal microbiome, and reduce gynecological and obstetric sequelae. IMPORTANCE Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infectious disease of the reproductive tract. Metronidazole treatment, as the first line of treatment, frequently fails at recovery of the microbiome. However, the precise types of Lactobacillus and other bacteria involved in BV remain unclear, and this has resulted in a failure to identify potential markers to predict clinic outcomes. In this study, we adopted a 16S rRNA gene full-length assembly sequencing technology for the taxonomy analysis and evaluation of vaginal microbiota before and after treatment with metronidazole. We additionally identified 96 and 189 novel 16S rRNA gene sequences in Lactobacillus and Prevotella species, respectively, in vaginal samples, which improves our understanding of the vaginal microbiota. Moreover, we found that the abundance of Lactobacillus iners and Prevotella bivia before treatment was associated with a lack of cure. These potential biomarkers will help to facilitate future studies aimed at improving BV treatment outcomes, optimize the vaginal microbiome, and reduce adverse sexual and reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Disi A
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingxi Hua
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Han
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haonan Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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23
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Krupa-Kotara K, Grajek M, Grot M, Czarnota M, Wypych-Ślusarska A, Oleksiuk K, Głogowska-Ligus J, Słowiński J. Pre- and Postnatal Determinants Shaping the Microbiome of the Newborn in the Opinion of Pregnant Women from Silesia (Poland). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1383. [PMID: 37374165 DOI: 10.3390/life13061383] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre- and postnatal factors influence the formation of the newborn's microbiome as early as birth and the intrauterine period has a substantial impact on the composition of the baby's gastrointestinal microbiota and its subsequent development. This study intends to measure pregnant women's knowledge of the importance of microbiota for the health of the newborn. The sample was selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessment of women's knowledge was assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. This study population comprised 291 adult pregnant women with a mean age of 28.4 ± 4.7 years. A total of 34% (n = 99), 35% (n = 101), and 31.3% (n = 91) were at the 1-3 trimester, respectively. The results showed that 36.4% of the women were aware that the intrauterine period changes the makeup of the gastrointestinal microbiota, whereas 5.8% exhibited awareness of the composition of the child's normal gut microbiota. Most of the women surveyed-(72.1%)-know that colonization of the tract occurs as early as the birth period. Women with student status (those who will pursue higher education in the future) and those who had given birth to the most children exhibited higher levels of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Krupa-Kotara
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Mateusz Grajek
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Martina Grot
- Student Scientific Society, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Martina Czarnota
- Student Scientific Society, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Agata Wypych-Ślusarska
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Klaudia Oleksiuk
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Joanna Głogowska-Ligus
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Jerzy Słowiński
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
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24
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Kim R. Advanced Organotypic In Vitro Model Systems for Host-Microbial Coculture. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2023; 17:1-27. [PMID: 37363268 PMCID: PMC10201494 DOI: 10.1007/s13206-023-00103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In vitro model systems have been advanced to recapitulate important physiological features of the target organ in vivo more closely than the conventional cell line cultures on a petri dish. The advanced organotypic model systems can be used as a complementary or alternative tool for various testing and screening. Numerous data from germ-free animal studies and genome sequencings of clinical samples indicate that human microbiota is an essential part of the human body, but current in vitro model systems rarely include them, which can be one of the reasons for the discrepancy in the tissue phenotypes and outcome of therapeutic intervention between in vivo and in vitro tissues. A coculture model system with appropriate microbes and host cells may have great potential to bridge the gap between the in vitro model and the in vivo counterpart. However, successfully integrating two species in one system introduces new variables to consider and poses new challenges to overcome. This review aims to provide perspectives on the important factors that should be considered for developing organotypic bacterial coculture models. Recent advances in various organotypic bacterial coculture models are highlighted. Finally, challenges and opportunities in developing organotypic microbial coculture models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raehyun Kim
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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25
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Ziogou A, Ziogos E, Giannakodimos I, Giannakodimos A, Sifakis S, Ioannou P, Tsiodras S. Bacterial Vaginosis and Post-Operative Pelvic Infections. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091218. [PMID: 37174760 PMCID: PMC10178576 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents a condition in which the normal protective Lactobacilli, especially those that produce H2O2, are replaced by high quantities of facultative anaerobes, leading to gynecologic and obstetric post-operative complications. BV is an important cause of obstetric and gynecological adverse sequelae and it could lead to an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, genital herpes, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, and human immunodeficiency virus. Herein, we reviewed bacterial vaginosis and its association with post-operative pelvic infections. In Obstetrics, BV has been associated with increased risk of preterm delivery, first-trimester miscarriage in women undergoing in vitro fertilization, preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, amniotic fluid infections, postpartum and postabortal endomyometritis as well as postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In gynecology, BV increases the risk of post-hysterectomy infections such as vaginal cuff cellulitis, pelvic cellulitis, pelvic abscess, and PID. BV is often asymptomatic, can resolve spontaneously, and often relapses with or without treatment. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends testing for BV in women having an increased risk for preterm delivery. Women with symptoms should be evaluated and treated. Women with BV undergoing gynecological surgeries must be treated to reduce the frequency of post-operative pelvic infections. Metronidazole and clindamycin are the mainstays of therapy. Currently, there is no consensus on pre-surgery screening for BV; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Ziogou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Ziogos
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ilias Giannakodimos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakodimos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Petros Ioannou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon General Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
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26
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Nijhawan P, Carraro A, Vita S, Del Borgo C, Tortellini E, Guardiani M, Zingaropoli MA, Mengoni F, Petrozza V, Di Troia L, Marcucci I, Kertusha B, Scerpa MC, Turriziani O, Vullo V, Ciardi MR, Mastroianni CM, Marocco R, Lichtner M. Systemic, Mucosal Immune Activation and Psycho-Sexual Health in ART-Suppressed Women Living with HIV: Evaluating Biomarkers and Environmental Stimuli. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040960. [PMID: 37112940 PMCID: PMC10144999 DOI: 10.3390/v15040960] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender medicine is now an approach that can no longer be neglected and must be considered in scientific research. We investigated the systemic and mucosal immune response in a population of women living with HIV (WLWH) who were receiving successful ART and the sexual and psychological repercussions of HIV infection on the women's health. As control group, healthy women (HW) matched for age and sex distribution, without any therapy, were included. In summary, our study highlighted the persistence of immune-inflammatory activation in our population, despite virological suppression and a normal CD4 cell count. We found a hyperactivation of the systemic monocyte and an increase in inflammatory cytokine concentrations at the systemic level. The analysis carried out showed a significantly higher risk of HPV coinfection in WLWH compared to HW. Furthermore, our data revealed that WLWH have a profile compatible with sexual dysfunction and generalized anxiety disorders. Our study underlines that patients living with HIV should be evaluated by multidisciplinary teams. These findings also support the idea that more and different immunological markers, in addition to those already used in clinical practice, are needed. Further studies should be carried out to clarify which of these could represent future therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parni Nijhawan
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Serena Vita
- INMI IRCCS Lazzaro Spallanzani, via Portuense, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosmo Del Borgo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Eeva Tortellini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariasilvia Guardiani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Mengoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Petrozza
- UOC of Pathology, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, I.C.O.T, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Luciana Di Troia
- Department of Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Immacolata Marcucci
- Department of Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Blerta Kertusha
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Scerpa
- Hematology Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, AUSL Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Marocco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs, NESMOS, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Mojtahedi SF, Mohammadzadeh A, Mohammadzadeh F, Jalili Shahri J, Bahri N. Association between bacterial vaginosis and 25-Hydroxy vitamin D: a case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:208. [PMID: 37024856 PMCID: PMC10080887 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08120-3] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, can increase the risk of BV. The findings of previous studies regarding the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and BV were conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between BV and serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. MATERIALS AND METHODS This case-control study was conducted in Gonabad County in 2021. One hundred and twenty-five confirmed BV cases and 125 controls who were matched based on age and intercourse frequency (maximum difference of two days per week) enrolled in the study. Data collection was performed using a demographic and reproductive data questionnaire and a checklist for recording Whiff test results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level, litmus paper observation, and microscopic findings (clue cells). Serum level of vitamin D was evaluated based on enzyme-linked immunoassay method (Monobind kit) from 0.5 ml venous blood drawn from each participant. The conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze data. RESULTS The BV cases had significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum levels than controls. The odds of BV increased with vitamin D deficiency (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39-13.4, p = 0.011, FDR q-value = 0.051), vitamin D insufficiency (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23-10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053), cigarette/hookah smoking (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23, 10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053) and lower age at first intercourse (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.28; p = 0.004; FDR q-value = 0.048). The odds of BV was 0.80 and 0.78 times lower in participants who had coitus interruptus (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.63; p = 0.006; FDR q-value = 0.048) and condom use (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.79; p = 0.016; FDR q-value = 0.051), respectively, compared to participants who did not use contraceptives. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of developing BV. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Faezeh Mojtahedi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh
- School of health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Jelveh Jalili Shahri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Narjes Bahri
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
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Kim JY, Moon EC, Kim JY, Kim HJ, Heo K, Shim JJ, Lee JL. Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 ameliorates bacterial vaginosis by inhibiting biofilm formation and epithelial cell adhesion of Gardnerella vaginalis. Food Sci Biotechnol 2023; 32:507-515. [PMID: 36911333 PMCID: PMC9992491 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-022-01208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by a microbial imbalance in the vaginal ecosystem, which causes genital discomfort and a variety of potential complications in women. This study validated the potential of Lactobacillus helveticus HY7801 as a probiotic to benefit vaginal health. In vivo, HY7801 reduced the number of Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the vagina of GV-induced BV mice and ameliorated vaginal histological changes. In vitro, HY7801 exhibited positive resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, showed excellent adherence ability to the female genital epithelium, and had high lactic acid and H2O2 production capacity. Furthermore, it was found that HY7801 can alleviate BV because it can suppress the expression of virulence factor genes of GV involved in epithelial cell adhesion and biofilm formation along with antibacterial activity against GV. These results indicate that HY7801 can be used as a promising probiotic strain for the maintenance of a healthy vaginal physiological state. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01208-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Yun Kim
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chae Moon
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Ji Kim
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Heo
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jung Shim
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Lyoul Lee
- R & BD Center, hy Co. Ltd., 22, Giheungdanji-ro 24beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, 17086 Republic of Korea
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An Integrative Review of the Relationship Between Intrauterine Devices and Bacterial Vaginosis. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:141-151. [PMID: 36803608 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.01.007] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between intrauterine devices (IUDs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) through an integrative review of the current literature. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, MEDLINE, Health Source, Evidence-Based Medicine's Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION Cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, quasi-experimental, and randomized controlled trials examining copper (Cu-IUD) and levonorgestrel (LNG-IUD) use in reproductive- age users with BV occurrence confirmed with Amsel's criteria or Nugent scoring were included. Articles included were published in the past 10 years. DATA EXTRACTION Fifteen studies met criteria, after an initial search identified 1,140 potential titles, and two reviewers assessed 62 full-text articles for inclusion. DATA SYNTHESIS Data were categorized into three groups: retrospective descriptive cross-sectional studies identifying point prevalence of BV among IUD users; prospective analytic studies examining BV incidence and prevalence among Cu-IUD users; and prospective analytic studies examining BV incidence and prevalence among LNG-IUD users. CONCLUSION Synthesis and comparison of studies were difficult because of disparate study designs, sample sizes, comparator groups, and inclusion criteria for individual studies. Synthesis of data from cross-sectional studies showed that all IUD users combined may have an increased point prevalence of BV compared with non-IUD users. These studies did not delineate LNG-IUDs from Cu-IUDs. Findings from cohort and experimental studies suggest a possible increase in BV occurrence among Cu-IUD users. Evidence is lacking to show an association between LNG-IUD use and BV.
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30
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Ng BK, Chuah JN, Cheah FC, Mohamed Ismail NA, Tan GC, Wong KK, Lim PS. Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. Front Surg 2023; 10:1084867. [PMID: 36860946 PMCID: PMC9968788 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1084867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection in women of reproductive age group because of vaginal dysbiosis. The impact of BV during pregnancy is still not well defined. The objective of this study is to assess the maternal-fetal outcome in women with BV. Materials and Methods A prospective cohort study over one-year duration was conducted from December, 2014 until December, 2015, involving 237 women who presented with abnormal vaginal discharge, preterm labour or preterm prelabour rupture of membrane between 22- and 34-weeks period of gestation. Vaginal swabs were sent for culture and sensitivity, BV® Blue testing and PCR for Gardnerella vaginalis (GV). Results BV was diagnosed in 24/237 (10.1%) cases. The median gestational age was 31.6 weeks. GV was isolated from 16 out of 24 (66.7%) in the BV positive group. There was a significantly higher preterm birth rate, below 34 weeks (22.7% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.019) in women with BV. There was no statistically significant difference in maternal outcome such as clinical chorioamnionitis or endometritis. However, placental pathology revealed more than half (55.6%) of women with BV had histologic chorioamnionitis. Neonatal morbidity was significantly higher with exposure to BV, with a lower median birth weight, higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission (41.7% vs. 19.0%, p = 0.010), increased intubation for respiratory support (29.2% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.004) and respiratory distress syndrome (33.3% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.002). Conclusion More research is needed to formulate guidelines for prevention, early detection and treatment of BV during pregnancy to reduce intrauterine inflammation and the associated adverse fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beng Kwang Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Correspondence: Beng Kwang Ng
| | - Joo Ngor Chuah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fook Choe Cheah
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azlin Mohamed Ismail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Geok Chin Tan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kon Ken Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Shan Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gholizadeh O, Yekanipour Z, Kivi S, Farahbod F, Aqayinejad M, Tasoujizade Y, Yasamineh S, Amini P, Akbarzadeh S, Hajiesmaeili M, Poortahmasebi V. Review of the evidence of the effects of human papillomavirus infection and Gardnerella vaginalis, and their co-infection on infertility. Microb Pathog 2023; 175:105980. [PMID: 36642287 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.105980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A prevalent sexually transmitted infection, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is typically obtained just after the first sexual activity. The majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and temporary. Cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers can occur due to recurrent infections with high-risk (hr)-HPV strains, generally decades later. Infections with HPV are significantly associated with reproductive function abnormalities. Per recent research, HPV infections may result in male infertility by reducing sperm motility. The hr-HPV infection was a risk factor for miscarriage, and the indiscriminate HPV genotype increased the probability of premature labor unexpectedly. Women's endometrial trophoblastic cell implantation is decreased by HPV. Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), an anaerobic bacterium that is a component of the natural vaginal flora, can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) when it starts to overgrow and emerge as the dominant species. Reduced Lactobacillus species abundance and GV are linked to female infertility. Data from in vitro studies suggests that sialidase produced by GV may facilitate the entry and growth of papilloma and other sexually transmitted viruses. Also, based on some studies conducted in the past, it can be said that GV and BV are associated with the development of uterine cancer. However, there is still not enough information about the exact mechanism of GV and HPV in causing infertility, which requires more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Gholizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Yekanipour
- Department of Microbiology, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran
| | - Setareh Kivi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Farahbod
- Obstetric & Gynecologist Specialist, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Aqayinejad
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Yalda Tasoujizade
- Health System Research (HSR), Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parya Amini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center and Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Sama Akbarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Hajiesmaeili
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Vahdat Poortahmasebi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Li J, Li Y. Detect feature edges for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14667. [PMID: 36684669 PMCID: PMC9854373 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common diseases among women of reproductive age is bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, the etiology of BV remains unknown. In this study, we modeled the temporal sample of the vaginal microbiome as a network and investigated the relationship between the network edges and BV. Furthermore, we used feature selection algorithms including decision tree (DT) and ReliefF (RF) to select the network feature edges associated with BV and subsequently validated these feature edges through logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM). The results show that: machine learning can distinguish vaginal community states (BV, ABV, SBV, and HEA) based on a few feature edges; selecting the top five feature edges of importance can achieve the best accuracy for the feature selection and classification model; the feature edges selected by DT outperform those selected by RF in terms of classification algorithm LR and SVM, and LR with DT feature edges is more suitable for diagnosing BV; two feature selection algorithms exhibit differences in the importance of ranking of edges; the feature edges selected by DT and RF cannot construct sub-network associated with BV. In short, the feature edges selected by our method can serve as indicators for personalized diagnosis of BV and aid in the clarification of a more mechanistic interpretation of its etiology.
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Salmanov AG, Kostikov VV, Netskar IP, Artyomenko V, Rud VO, Korniyenko SM, Zarichanska K. HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AFTER GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERIES AND ASSOCIATED ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN UKRAINE. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2023; 76:2313-2319. [PMID: 37948732 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202310128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To determine the prevalence of healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis after gynecological surgeries and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: Multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 in eleven medical centers from eight regions of Ukraine. Vaginal cultures were obtained preoperatively from 3,502 women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis is based on the Nugent and Amsel criteria. RESULTS Results: Healthcare-associated bacterial vaginosis (HA BV) was diagnosed in 1,498 of 3,502 women, giving a prevalence rate of 42.8%. HA BV was significantly associated with preterm birth (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-4.98), miscarriage (RR, 6.11; 95% CI, 3.22-14.11), low birth weight (RR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.29-7.94), and premature rupture of membranes (RR, 6.75; 95% CI, 3.11-14.67). CONCLUSION Conclusions: The HA BV after gynecological surgeries prevalence is high in Ukraine, with a concomitant adverse pregnancy outcome, including preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and miscarriage. A significant number of cases of bacterial vaginosis are associated with long-term use of antibiotics to treat post-operative infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidyn G Salmanov
- SHUPYK NATIONAL HEALTHCARE UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE, KYIV, UKRAINE; INSTITUTE OF PEDIATRICS, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE, KYIV, UKRAINE
| | | | - Iryna P Netskar
- SHUPYK NATIONAL HEALTHCARE UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE, KYIV, UKRAINE
| | | | - Victor O Rud
- NATIONAL PIROGOV MEMORIAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, VINNYTSIA, UKRAINE
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Gao J, Peng Y, Jiang N, Shi Y, Ying C. High-Throughput Sequencing-Based Analysis of Changes in the Vaginal Microbiome during the Disease Course of Patients with Bacterial Vaginosis: A Case-Control Study. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121797. [PMID: 36552306 PMCID: PMC9775478 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: The vaginal microbiome is closely associated with the onset and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). In the present study, the state of vaginal microbiota during the onset and post-treatment asymptomatic stages of BV were compared to that of a healthy population to evaluate the changes in different characteristic bacteria during the onset, progression, and remission of BV. Methods: A case−control study was performed to explore these changes. Women with clinical symptoms of BV were divided into the disease group (M) and case−control group (C) based on the Nugent score. Subjects in the disease group whose symptoms were resolved after the treatment were assigned to the treated group (T) and healthy subjects were recruited into the normal control (N) group. The V3−V4 hypervariable regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Results: The N harbored the highest number of detected species and a higher abundance of microbiota; they had a significantly higher abundance of Lactobacillus and different bacterial community composition compared to the other three groups. In group M, Gardnerella vaginalis was the dominant species, whereas Lactobacillus iners was predominant in the other three groups. While Lactobacillus was more commonly present in Group C compared to group M. it was significantly increased in group T. Alpha diversity analysis of bacterial communities revealed significant differences in community richness and diversity among all four groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences in the distribution of various bacterial communities among the different groups were also observed (p < 0.05). Specifically, the abundance of eight bacterial taxa (Megasphaera, Aerococcus christensenii, Clostridiales, Gardnerella, Peptostreptococcus, Veillonellaceae, Akkermansia, Coriobacteriales) differed significantly among the four groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences in the composition and alpha diversity of the vaginal microbiota at different stages of BV and the distribution of bacterial communities were observed among the investigated groups. In addition to Gardnerella, Sneathia sanguinegens and Prevotella timonensis play an important role in the pathogenesis of BV. The appearance of BV-like clinical symptoms was closely associated with the decrease in Prevotella and Atopobium vaginae populations.
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35
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Mahajan G, Doherty E, To T, Sutherland A, Grant J, Junaid A, Gulati A, LoGrande N, Izadifar Z, Timilsina SS, Horváth V, Plebani R, France M, Hood-Pishchany I, Rakoff-Nahoum S, Kwon DS, Goyal G, Prantil-Baun R, Ravel J, Ingber DE. Vaginal microbiome-host interactions modeled in a human vagina-on-a-chip. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:201. [PMID: 36434666 PMCID: PMC9701078 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A dominance of non-iners Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome is optimal and strongly associated with gynecological and obstetric health, while the presence of diverse obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria and a paucity in Lactobacillus species, similar to communities found in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is considered non-optimal and associated with adverse health outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are being explored to modulate the composition of the vaginal microbiome; however, there is no human model that faithfully reproduces the vaginal epithelial microenvironment for preclinical validation of potential therapeutics or testing hypotheses about vaginal epithelium-microbiome interactions. RESULTS Here, we describe an organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic culture model of the human vaginal mucosa (vagina chip) that is lined by hormone-sensitive, primary vaginal epithelium interfaced with underlying stromal fibroblasts, which sustains a low physiological oxygen concentration in the epithelial lumen. We show that the Vagina Chip can be used to assess colonization by optimal L. crispatus consortia as well as non-optimal Gardnerella vaginalis-containing consortia, and to measure associated host innate immune responses. Co-culture and growth of the L. crispatus consortia on-chip was accompanied by maintenance of epithelial cell viability, accumulation of D- and L-lactic acid, maintenance of a physiologically relevant low pH, and down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, co-culture of G. vaginalis-containing consortia in the vagina chip resulted in epithelial cell injury, a rise in pH, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of applying human organ chip technology to create a preclinical model of the human vaginal mucosa that can be used to better understand interactions between the vaginal microbiome and host tissues, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live biotherapeutics products. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Mahajan
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Emulate, Inc, 27 Drydock Ave, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Erin Doherty
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tania To
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Arlene Sutherland
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Grant
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Abidemi Junaid
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aakanksha Gulati
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nina LoGrande
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanjay Sharma Timilsina
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Viktor Horváth
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Present address: Center on Advanced Studies and Technology, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michael France
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Indriati Hood-Pishchany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas S Kwon
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Girija Goyal
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Avalos-Gómez C, Ramírez-Rico G, Ruiz-Mazón L, Sicairos NL, Serrano-Luna J, de la Garza M. Lactoferrin: An Effective Weapon in the Battle Against Bacterial Infections. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3243-3260. [PMID: 36284379 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221025153216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains with respect to commercially available antimicrobial drugs has marked a watershed in treatment therapies to fight pathogens and has stimulated research on alternative remedies. Proteins of the innate immune system of mammals have been highlighted as potentially yielding possible treatment options for infections. Lactoferrin (Lf) is one of these proteins; interestingly, no resistance to it has been found. Lf is a conserved cationic nonheme glycoprotein that is abundant in milk and is also present in low quantities in mucosal secretions. Moreover, Lf is produced and secreted by the secondary granules of neutrophils at infection sites. Lf is a molecule of approximately 80 kDa that displays multiple functions, such as antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. Lf can synergize with antibiotics, increasing its potency against bacteria. Lactoferricins (Lfcins) are peptides resulting from the N-terminal end of Lf by proteolytic cleavage with pepsin. They exhibit several anti-bacterial effects similar to those of the parental glycoprotein. Synthetic analog peptides exhibiting potent antimicrobial properties have been designed. The aim of this review is to update understanding of the structure and effects of Lf and Lfcins as anti-bacterial compounds, focusing on the mechanisms of action in bacteria and the use of Lf in treatment of infections in patients, including those studies where no significant differences were found. Lf could be an excellent option for prevention and treatment of bacterial diseases, mainly in combined therapies with antibiotics or other antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Avalos-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Ramírez-Rico
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán- Teoloyucan, Cuautitlán Izcalli, 54714, Mexico
| | - Lucero Ruiz-Mazón
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Nidia León Sicairos
- Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, Unidad de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Dong B, Huang Y, Cai H, Chen Y, Li Y, Zou H, Lin W, Xue H, Feng A, Zhao H, Lu Y, Gao H, Mao X, Wu Z, Pan D, Sun P. Prevotella as the hub of the cervicovaginal microbiota affects the occurrence of persistent human papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions in women of childbearing age via host NF-κB/C-myc. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5519-5534. [PMID: 35835717 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that coinfection of cervicovaginal high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) and bacteria is common in women of childbearing age. However, the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and persistent HR-HPV infection in women of childbearing age and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we determined whether BV affects persistent HR-HPV infection in women aged 20-45 years and explored the possible mechanisms of their interactions. From January 1 to April 30, 2020, we recruited women aged 20-45 years with and without BV at a ratio of 1:2 from Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital. All women were followed up at 0, 12, and 24 months. A BV assay, HR-HPV genotyping and cervical cytology were performed at each follow-up. At 0 months, additional vaginal secretions and cervical exfoliated cells were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, bacterial metabolite determination, and POU5F1B, C-myc, TLR4, NF-κB, and hTERT quantification. A total of 920 women were included. The abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.016) and Gardnerella (p = 0.027) were higher, whereas the abundance of Lactobacillus was lower (p = 0.001) in women with persistent HR-HPV infection and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). The abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.025) and Gardnerella (p = 0.018) increased in the vaginas of women with persistent HPV16 infection, whereas only the abundance of Prevotella (p = 0.026) was increased in women with persistent HPV18 infection. The abundance of Prevotella in the vagina was significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, C-myc, and hTERT in host cervical cells (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that overgrowth of Prevotella in the vagina may influence the occurrence of persistent HR-HPV infection-related cervical lesions through host NF-κB and C-myc signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhua Dong
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children's Critical Diseases Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Huang
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongning Cai
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province (Women and Children's Hospital of Hubei Province), Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaojia Chen
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Li
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifeng Xue
- Fujian Provincial Cervical Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Anping Feng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Heping Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hangjing Gao
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodan Mao
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children's Critical Diseases Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Wu
- Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Diling Pan
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengming Sun
- Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children's Critical Diseases Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
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Wylie TN, Schrimpf J, Gula H, Herter BN, Wylie KM. Comparison of Metagenomic Sequencing and the NanoString nCounter Analysis System for the Characterization of Bacterial and Viral Communities in Vaginal Samples. mSphere 2022; 7:e0019722. [PMID: 36000741 PMCID: PMC9599496 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00197-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA sequencing assays have been used to characterize the vaginal microbiome and to identify associations with clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the NanoString nCounter platform, a more efficient assay compared to sequencing, for the characterization of vaginal microbial communities. A panel of NanoString nCounter probes was designed to detect common vaginal bacteria and viruses with relevance to reproductive health. A defined synthetic community of microbes and 43 clinical samples were interrogated with NanoString nCounter assays and compared to known compositions or metagenomic shotgun sequencing (MSS) results. The NanoString nCounter platform and MSS were able to distinguish closely related microbes. In clinical samples, the relative abundance of bacterial species was similar between the two assays. The assays sometimes disagreed when targets were present at low abundance. More viruses were detected by MSS than by nCounter. However, the nCounter assays are able to provide results in about 30 h with minimal hands-on time, whereas MSS requires at least 138 to 178 h with extensive hands-on time. The reagent cost for the two assays was similar, but the overall cost of the nCounter was lower due to the minimal hands-on time. MSS can be used to inform the design of a targeted multiplex panel for the assessment of vaginal microbial communities, thereby allowing for more cost-effective and rapid screening of patient samples for research studies. The sensitivity for low abundance microbes could be improved, possibly by adding additional target amplification cycles before nCounter assessment. This approach has potential as an assay with both research and clinical applications. IMPORTANCE Metagenomic shotgun sequencing can inform the design of a targeted multiplex panel by which the NanoString nCounter platform can assess vaginal microbial communities, thereby allowing for more cost-effective and rapid screening of patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd N. Wylie
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jane Schrimpf
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Haley Gula
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Brandi N. Herter
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kristine M. Wylie
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Swidsinski A, Loening-Baucke V, Swidsinski S, Sobel JD, Dörffel Y, Guschin A. Clue Cells and Pseudo Clue Cells in Different Morphotypes of Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:905739. [PMID: 35719334 PMCID: PMC9198243 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.905739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionClue cells (epithelial cells heavily covered with adherent bacteria) are an accepted clue to the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. However, the exact morphologic criteria of clue cells and bacterial adherence were never elaborated.Materials and MethodsWe investigated adhesive and cohesive patterns of main microbiota groups in vaginal discharge using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Samples from 500 women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis and positive for clue cells with classic microscopy were collected from 42 gynecologic practices in Berlin and reexamined in our FISH laboratory for the spatial distribution of Bifidobacteriaceae, Gardnerella, Fannyhessea vaginae (Atopobium); low G+C (guanine+cytosine) bacteria, lactobacilli, Lactobacillus iners; Lactobacillus crispatus, Gamma-Proteobacteria; and Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotella–Bacteroides, Veillonella, and Coriobacterium groups.ResultsBacterial taxa present in vaginal smears were not accidentally assembled according to their relative abundance but were built in group-specific distribution patterns, which can be well described by two features: cohesiveness to each other and adherence to epithelial cells. Accordingly, four patterns can be distinguished: dispersed (non-adherent bacteria), dispersed adherent bacteria, cohesive (non-adherent) bacteria, and cohesive adherent bacteria. Direct cohesive adherence to the epithelial cells representing true clue cells was unique for Gardnerella species and observed only in 56% of the investigated samples. In the remaining vaginal samples, the epithelial cells were mechanically entrapped in bacterial masses, and the composition was unrelated to the epithelial cell surface, building non-adherent pseudo clue cells. The proportion of women with true clue cells in their samples from different gynecologic practices varied from 19% to 80%.DiscussionTaxon indifferent imaging is inadequate for the exact analysis of the microbial layer adjacent to the vaginal epithelial cells. Morphologically seen bacterial vaginosis is a mix of at least two different conditions: biofilm vaginosis and bacterial excess vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Swidsinski
- Medizinische Klinik, Charité Charite Campus Mitte (CCM), Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Alexander Swidsinski,
| | - Vera Loening-Baucke
- Medizinische Klinik, Charité Charite Campus Mitte (CCM), Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jack D. Sobel
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charite Campus Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Guschin
- Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, Moscow, Russia
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Kaul R, Liu CM, Park DE, Galiwango RM, Tobian AAR, Prodger JL. The Penis, the Vagina and HIV Risk: Key Differences (Aside from the Obvious). Viruses 2022; 14:v14061164. [PMID: 35746636 PMCID: PMC9227947 DOI: 10.3390/v14061164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, most Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) transmission occurs through vaginal–penile sex (heterosexual transmission). The local immune environment at the site of HIV exposure is an important determinant of whether exposure during sex will lead to productive infection, and the vaginal and penile immune milieus are each critically shaped by the local microbiome. However, there are key differences in the microbial drivers of inflammation and immune quiescence at these tissue sites. In both, a high abundance of anaerobic taxa (e.g., Prevotella) is associated with an increased local density of HIV target cells and an increased risk of acquiring HIV through sex. However, the taxa that have been associated to date with increased risk in the vagina and penis are not identical. Just as importantly, the microbiota associated with comparatively less inflammation and HIV risk—i.e., the optimal microbiota—are very different at the two sites. In the vagina, Lactobacillus spp. are immunoregulatory and may protect against HIV acquisition, whereas on the penis, “skin type” flora such as Corynebacterium are associated with reduced inflammation. Compared to its vaginal counterpart, much less is known about the dynamics of the penile microbiome, the ability of clinical interventions to alter the penile microbiome, or the impact of natural/induced microbiome alterations on penile immunology and HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cindy M. Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | - Daniel E. Park
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | | | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Comparison of two microscopic interpretation of vaginal microbiota with molecular profiling. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 104:115728. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Sunkavalli A, McClure R, Genco C. Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms Drive Emergent Pathogenetic Properties of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microorganisms 2022; 10:922. [PMID: 35630366 PMCID: PMC9147433 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050922] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea, with an estimated 87 million annual cases worldwide. N. gonorrhoeae predominantly colonizes the male and female genital tract (FGT). In the FGT, N. gonorrhoeae confronts fluctuating levels of nutrients and oxidative and non-oxidative antimicrobial defenses of the immune system, as well as the resident microbiome. One mechanism utilized by N. gonorrhoeae to adapt to this dynamic FGT niche is to modulate gene expression primarily through DNA-binding transcriptional regulators. Here, we describe the major N. gonorrhoeae transcriptional regulators, genes under their control, and how these regulatory processes lead to pathogenic properties of N. gonorrhoeae during natural infection. We also discuss the current knowledge of the structure, function, and diversity of the FGT microbiome and its influence on gonococcal survival and transcriptional responses orchestrated by its DNA-binding regulators. We conclude with recent multi-omics data and modeling tools and their application to FGT microbiome dynamics. Understanding the strategies utilized by N. gonorrhoeae to regulate gene expression and their impact on the emergent characteristics of this pathogen during infection has the potential to identify new effective strategies to both treat and prevent gonorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sunkavalli
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Ryan McClure
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA;
| | - Caroline Genco
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
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Exploiting the Anti-Biofilm Effect of the Engineered Phage Endolysin PM-477 to Disrupt In Vitro Single- and Dual-Species Biofilms of Vaginal Pathogens Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050558. [PMID: 35625202 PMCID: PMC9137943 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most frequent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by the overgrowth of anaerobic vaginal pathogens, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, and Prevotella bivia, which are vaginal pathogens detected during the early stages of incident BV and have been found to form multi-species biofilms. Treatment of biofilm-associated infections, such as BV, is challenging. In this study, we tested the role of an investigational engineered phage endolysin, PM-477, in the eradication of dual-species biofilms composed of G. vaginalis–F. vaginae or G. vaginalis–P. bivia. Single-species biofilms formed by these species were also analysed as controls. The effect of PM-477 on biomass and culturability of single- and dual-species biofilms was assessed in vitro using a microtiter plate assay, epifluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and quantitative PCR. The results showed that PM-477 was particularly effective in the disruption and reduction of culturability of G. vaginalis biofilms. In dual-species biofilms, PM-477 exhibited lower efficiency but was still able to selectively and significantly eliminate G. vaginalis. Since polymicrobial interactions have been shown to strongly affect the activity of various antibiotics, the activity of PM-477 in dual-species biofilms is a potentially promising result that should be further explored, aiming to completely eradicate multi-species biofilms associated with BV.
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Swidsinski A, Guschin A, Corsini L, Loening-Baucke V, Tisakova LP, Swidsinski S, Sobel JD, Dörffel Y. Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Microbiota in Bacterial Vaginosis Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040456. [PMID: 35456131 PMCID: PMC9028502 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040456] [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: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Testing of antibiotic resistance of intact vaginal microbiota in pure culture is not feasible. METHODS: Metronidazole, antiseptic octenisept®, antimycotic ciclopirox, bacterial probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus, yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii, Gardnerella-phage-endolysin named phagolysin and phagolysin in combination with probiotics were tested for bacteriolytic activity. Included were vaginal swabs from 38 random women with Amsel-confirmed bacterial vaginosis (BV). Test aliquots were incubated by 37° for 2 and 24 h. Gardnerella, low G+C, Atopobium, lactobacilli, Lactobacillus iners and crispatus, Prevotella-Bacteroides, and Gammaproteobacteria microbial groups were quantified using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results: The probiotic strain Lactobacillus crispatus demonstrated the weakest bacteriolytical effects, followed by metronidazole. Both had no impact on Gardnerella species, instead lysing Prevotella-Bacteroides, Enterobacteriaceae (by L.crispatus) or LGC, Atopobium and Prevotella-Bacteroides (by metronidazole) groups of the microbiota. Cytolytic activity on Gardnerella was highly pronounced and increased from octenisept to ciclopirox, phagolysin, phagolysin with L.crispatus, being best in the combination of phagolysin with S.boulardii. Universally active ciclopirox and octenisept® suppressed nearly all microbial groups including those which are regarded as beneficial. Phagolysin had no effect on naturally occurring Lactobacillus crispatus. Conclusions: FISH susceptibility testing allows unique efficacy evaluation of individually adjusted topical therapy without microbial isolation facilitating optimal therapy choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Swidsinski
- Molecular-Genetic Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms, Charité CCM, Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexander Guschin
- Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Lorenzo Corsini
- BioNTech R&D (Austria) GmbH, Vienna Biocenter, 1110 Vienna, Austria; (L.C.); (L.P.T.)
| | - Vera Loening-Baucke
- Molecular-Genetic Laboratory for Polymicrobial Infections and Biofilms, Charité CCM, Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsmedizin, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | | | | | - Jack D. Sobel
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, CCM, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
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Xiao B, A D, Qin H, Mi L, Zhang D. Correlation Analysis of Vaginal Microbiome Changes and Bacterial Vaginosis Plus Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Mixed Vaginitis Prognosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:860589. [PMID: 35372135 PMCID: PMC8970117 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.860589] [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] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed vaginitis is the result of the simultaneous presence of different pathogenic processes mediated by at least two types of vaginal pathogens. Among the various types of mixed vaginitis presentations, bacterial vaginosis (BV) plus vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) presents to be the most prevalent form. Mixed vaginitis affects the health of women of all ages worldwide. However, few studies have focused on clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, or therapy of mixed vaginitis. We recruited 48 symptomatic patients with clinical diagnoses of VVC complicated with BV, they were treated with oral metronidazole combined with local clotrimazole and followed to assess the drug efficacy and vaginal microbiome alterations before and after treatment. The vaginal microbiome in BV+VVC mixed vaginitis patients was altered significantly after the combined drug treatment within a unique form different from a simple overlay mode of BV and VVC, the key bacteria including Gardnerella and Atopobium, Lactobacillus. The combined drug therapy for the mixed vaginitis in this study was effective and enhanced treatment for BV may be more favorable because of more difficulty in dealing with BV according to the treatment outcome. The abundance of Lactobacillus in patients with mixed vaginitis affects the recovery of the vaginal microbiome as well as the prognosis, and the abundance should be actively restored. This is the first study to investigate the composition, diversity, and other characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in patients with BV+VVC mixed vaginitis before and after drug treatment, our results provide clues to improving the cure rate and reducing recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Disi A
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hanyu Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Mi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Vieira-Baptista P, Silva-Soares S, Lyra J, Falcão V, Póvoa AM, Calejo L, Sousa S. Wet Mount Microscopy of the Vaginal Milieu Does Not Predict the Outcome of Fertility Treatments: A Cross-sectional Study. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:176-180. [PMID: 35067583 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate whether vaginal dysbiosis (bacterial vaginosis [BV] or moderate/severe aerobic vaginitis [AV]/desquamative inflammatory vaginitis) in women subjected to intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection influences the rates of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study involving 392 women who underwent IUI or in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection at a fertility clinic. All had a slide collected for phase contrast wet mount microscopy (WMM), which was classified according to the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease recommendations. Correlation between flora patterns and the rate of pregnancy were evaluated. RESULTS There were no differences in any of the groups in terms of pregnancy rate (biochemical, clinical, at first trimester ultrasound, or live birth) after stratifying for the presence of BV, moderate or severe (ms) AV, BV and/or moderate or severe AV, cytolysis, or abnormal vaginal flora (lactobacillary grade ≥ IIb). The presence of Candida species, cocci, or bacilli morphotypes other than lactobacilli also showed no differences. CONCLUSIONS The vaginal flora assessment by WMM at the time of IUI or oocyte retrieval was not predictive of the success of fertility treatments.The absence of differences may be due to intrinsic limitations of WMM (i.e., identifying only bacterial morphotypes), a positive impact of the treatments in the vaginal flora or because the sperm and embryo transfer is made directly into the uterine cavity, thus overcoming any cervical or vaginal dysbiosis disadvantage. Future studies should focus on the endometrial milieu, rather than in the vaginal and/or cervical one.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Silva-Soares
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Lyra
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Gynecology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Falcão
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Gynecology Department, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Lucinda Calejo
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Sousa
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
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Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis and their associated risk factors among pregnant women from northern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262692. [PMID: 35213556 PMCID: PMC8880645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV) and their associated risk factors among pregnant women from Ethiopia. Also, this study investigated the bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance in AV cases. A total of 422 pregnant women from northern Ethiopia were participated in this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded. Vaginal swabs were collected and used for wet mount and Gram stain methods to evaluate the AV and BV scores according to the Nugent’s and Donder’s criteria, respectively. In AV cases the bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic resistance were determined using standard methods. The possible risk factors for AV and BV in pregnant women were investigated. The prevalence rates of BV and AV were 20.1% (85/422) and 8.1% (34/422), respectively. BV was more common in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic people (P < 0.001), and in second trimester vs. first trimester samples (P = 0.042). However, AV was more common in secondary school vs. primary and those who were unable to read and write (P = 0.021) and in housewife women vs. employee (P = 0.013). A total of 44 bacterial strains were isolated from AV cases, of which the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (38.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%) were the most predominant bacteria, respectively. The highest resistance rate was observed against penicillin (100.0%) in staphylococci, while 86.7% of them were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. The resistance rate of Enterobacteriaceae ranged from 0.0% for ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol to 100.0% against amoxicillin/clavulanate. The prevalence of BV was higher than AV in pregnant women. This higher prevalence of BV suggests that measures should be taken to reduce the undesired consequences related to BV in the pregnancy. The circulation of drug-resistant bacteria in vaginal infections requires a global surveillance to reduce the risks to pregnant mothers and infants.
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Liu Z, Bian L, Yeoman CJ, Clifton GD, Ellington JE, Ellington-Lawrence RD, Borgogna JLC, Star A. Bacterial Vaginosis Monitoring with Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors. Anal Chem 2022; 94:3849-3857. [PMID: 35191682 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability to rapidly and reliably screen for bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy is of great significance for maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrated the potential of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (NTFET) in the rapid diagnostics of BV with the sensing of BV-related factors such as pH and biogenic amines. The fabricated sensors showed good linearity to pH changes with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.99. The pH sensing performance was stable after more than one month of sensor storage. In addition, the sensor was able to classify BV-related biogenic amine-negative/positive samples with machine learning, utilizing different test strategies and algorithms, including linear discriminant analysis (LDA), support vector machine (SVM), and principal component analysis (PCA). The biogenic amine sample status could be well classified using a soft-margin SVM model with a validation accuracy of 87.5%. The accuracy could be further improved using a gold gate electrode for measurement, with accuracy higher than 90% in both LDA and SVM models. We also explored the sensing mechanisms and found that the change in NTFET off current was crucial for classification. The fabricated sensors successfully detect BV-related factors, demonstrating the competitive advantage of NTFET for point-of-care diagnostics of BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengru Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Long Bian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Carl J Yeoman
- Departments of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States
| | - G Dennis Clifton
- Glyciome, LLC, Valleyford, Washington 99036 and Post Falls, Idaho 83854, United States
| | - Joanna E Ellington
- Glyciome, LLC, Valleyford, Washington 99036 and Post Falls, Idaho 83854, United States
| | | | - Joanna-Lynn C Borgogna
- Departments of Microbiology and Cell Biology, and Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana 59718, United States
| | - Alexander Star
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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Choi SI, Won G, Kim Y, Kang CH, Kim GH. Lactobacilli Strain Mixture Alleviates Bacterial Vaginosis through Antibacterial and Antagonistic Activity in Gardnerella vaginalis-Infected C57BL/6 Mice. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020471. [PMID: 35208925 PMCID: PMC8880492 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the anti-bacterial vaginitis (BV) effects of a mixture of five lactobacilli strains (LM5), containing equal amounts of Ligilactobacillus salivarius MG242, Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG901, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MG4272, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MG4288), in HeLa cells and Gardnerella vaginalis (GV)-infected BV mice. All strains produced lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, and were resistant to nonoxynol-9. LM5 significantly inhibited GV growth by 80%, exhibited good adhesion to HeLa cells, and significantly inhibited GV adhesion to these cells. In GV-infected mice, LM5 administered orally at 5 × 109 CFU/mouse significantly inhibited GV proliferation in the vaginal tract and significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity, pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels, and nitric oxide levels in vaginal tissue lysates. Histopathological analysis of vaginal tissues revealed that LM5 markedly suppressed the exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells. Overall, these results suggest that LM5 might alleviate BV by direct antibacterial and antagonistic activity in vaginal tissues of GV-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Im Choi
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
| | - GaYeong Won
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
| | - YongGyeong Kim
- MEDIOGEN, Co., Ltd., Biovalley 1-ro, Jecheon-si 27159, Korea; (Y.K.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Chang-Ho Kang
- MEDIOGEN, Co., Ltd., Biovalley 1-ro, Jecheon-si 27159, Korea; (Y.K.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Gun-Hee Kim
- Department of Health Functional New Materials, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea; (S.-I.C.); (G.W.)
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-901-8496
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Mechanistic Insights into Immune Suppression and Evasion in Bacterial Vaginosis. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:84. [PMID: 35128579 PMCID: PMC8818625 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02771-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The immunological response to bacterial vaginosis (BV) remains poorly understood and recurrent BV is still a major public health burden especially in the pregnant population. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which BV-associated bacteria suppress and circumvent the host and microbial defence responses, and propagate their survival/dominance without overt inflammation. We discuss the composition of cervicovaginal mucosal barrier and the mechanism by which BV circumvents host defence: the degradation of the mucosal barrier and immunoglobulin A (IgA); the BV-associated organism Gardnerella vaginalis haemolysin (vaginolysin); diminished IgA response against vaginolysin; mucosal sialic acid degradation, foraging and depletion; inhibition of IL-8-induced neutrophilic infiltration; and metabolite-induced incapacitation of neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis. We also highlight the tolerance/resistance to both host and antimicrobial molecules mounted by BV-associated biofilms. A plausible role of sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (SIGLECS) was also suggested. Sialidase, which is often produced by G. vaginalis, is central to the immunosuppression, relapse and recurrence observed in BV, although it is supported by other hydrolytic enzymes, vaginolysin and immunomodulatory metabolites.
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