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Javadi K, Ferdosi-Shahandashti E, Rajabnia M, Khaledi M. Vaginal microbiota and gynecological cancers: a complex and evolving relationship. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38877504 PMCID: PMC11179293 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00590-7] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The vagina hosts a community of microorganisms known as the vaginal microbiota. This community is relatively stable and straightforward, with Lactobacillus species being the most dominant members. The vaginal microbiota has various functions that are essential for maintaining human health and balance. For example, it can metabolise dietary nutrients, produce growth factors, communicate with other bacteria, modulate the immune system, and prevent the invasion of harmful pathogens. When the vaginal microbiota is disrupted, it can lead to diseases and infections. The observed disturbance is distinguished by a reduction in the prevalence of Lactobacillus and a concurrent rise in the number of other bacterial species that exhibit a higher tolerance to low oxygen levels. Gynecologic cancers are a group of cancers that affect the female reproductive organs and tissues, such as the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and endometrium. These cancers are a major global health problem for women. Understanding the complex interactions between the host and the vaginal microorganisms may provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of gynecologic cancers. This could improve the quality of life and health outcomes for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Javadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ferdosi-Shahandashti
- Biomedical and Microbial Advanced Technologies Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rajabnia
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Mansoor Khaledi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Xiao L, Zuo Z, Zhao F. Microbiome in Female Reproductive Health: Implications for Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2024; 22:qzad005. [PMID: 38862423 PMCID: PMC11104452 DOI: 10.1093/gpbjnl/qzad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome plays a critical role in the process of conception and the outcomes of pregnancy. Disruptions in microbiome homeostasis in women of reproductive age can lead to various pregnancy complications, which significantly impact maternal and fetal health. Recent studies have associated the microbiome in the female reproductive tract (FRT) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and restoring microbiome balance has been shown to improve fertility in infertile couples. This review provides an overview of the role of the microbiome in female reproductive health, including its implications for pregnancy outcomes and ARTs. Additionally, recent advances in the use of microbial biomarkers as indicators of pregnancy disorders are summarized. A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the microbiome before and during pregnancy and its impact on reproductive health will greatly promote maternal and fetal health. Such knowledge can also contribute to the development of ARTs and microbiome-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zuo
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science/Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Reuben RC, Torres C. Bacteriocins: potentials and prospects in health and agrifood systems. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:233. [PMID: 38662051 PMCID: PMC11045635 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03948-y] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are highly diverse, abundant, and heterogeneous antimicrobial peptides that are ribosomally synthesized by bacteria and archaea. Since their discovery about a century ago, there has been a growing interest in bacteriocin research and applications. This is mainly due to their high antimicrobial properties, narrow or broad spectrum of activity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and stability. Though initially used to improve food quality and safety, bacteriocins are now globally exploited for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins have the potential to beneficially modulate microbiota, providing viable microbiome-based solutions for the treatment, management, and non-invasive bio-diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in the modulation of food microbiomes, antimicrobial food packaging, bio-sanitizers and antibiofilm, pre/post-harvest biocontrol, functional food, growth promotion, and sustainable aquaculture. This can undoubtedly improve food security, safety, and quality globally. This review highlights the current trends in bacteriocin research, especially the increasing research outputs and funding, which we believe may proportionate the soaring global interest in bacteriocins. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as bioengineering, can further enhance the exploitation of bacteriocins for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rine Christopher Reuben
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain.
| | - Carmen Torres
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain
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Onyango S, Mi JD, Koech A, Okiro P, Temmerman M, von Dadelszen P, Tribe RM, Omuse G. Microbiota dynamics, metabolic and immune interactions in the cervicovaginal environment and their role in spontaneous preterm birth. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306473. [PMID: 38196946 PMCID: PMC10774218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although establishing a direct causal link between cervicovaginal microbiota and sPTB remains challenging, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of microbial markers potentially linked to sPTB. Despite variations in findings, a recurring observation suggests that sPTB is associated with a more diverse and less stable vaginal microbiota across pregnancy trimesters. It is hypothesized that sPTB risk is likely to be modified via an intricate host-microbe interactions rather than due to the presence of a single microbial taxon or broad community state. Nonetheless, lactobacilli dominance is generally associated with term outcomes and contributes to a healthy vaginal environment through the production of lactic acid/maintenance of a low pH that excludes other pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the innate immunity of the host and metabolic interactions between cervicovaginal microbiota, such as the production of bacteriocins and the use of proteolytic enzymes, exerts a profound influence on microbial populations, activities, and host immune responses. These interplays collectively impact pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the complexity of cervicovaginal environment and microbiota dynamics, and associations with bacterial vaginosis and sPTB. There is also consideration on how probiotics may mitigate the risk of sPTB and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Onyango
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia Dai Mi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Okiro
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Li H, Zhang H, Geng L, Huang H, Nie C, Zhu Y. Association between vaginal microbiome alteration and povidone iodine use during delivery. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:348. [PMID: 37978422 PMCID: PMC10655376 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03014-5] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiome is a dynamic community of microorganisms in the vagina. Its alteration may be influenced by multiple factors, including gestational status, menstrual cycle, sexual intercourse, hormone levels, hormonal contraceptives, and vaginal drug administration. Povidone iodine has been used before delivery to reduce infection that may be caused by the ascendance of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria from the vagina to the uterus. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of povidone iodine use during delivery on the vaginal microbiome. METHODS This study enrolled a total of 67 women from maternity services in three hospitals. During the delivery process, we have applied povidone iodine in three doses such as low dose, medium dose, and high dose based on the amount of povidone iodine administered, thus, we studied the three groups of women based on the doses applied. Vaginal swab samples were collected both before and immediately after delivery, and the microbial communities were characterized using 16 S rRNA sequencing. The identification of differentially abundant microbial taxa was performed using ZicoSeq software. RESULTS Before delivery, the vaginal microbiome was dominated by the genus Lactobacillus, with different percentage observed (86.06%, 85.24%, and 73.42% for the low, medium, and high dose groups, respectively). After delivery, the vaginal microbial community was restructured, with a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in all three groups (68.06%, 50.08%, and 25.89%), and a significant increase in alpha diversity across all 3 groups (P < 0.01). Furthermore, as the dose of povidone iodine used during delivery increased, there was a corresponding decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P < 0.01). Contrary, there was an increase in microbial diversity and the relative abundances of Pseudomonas (0.13%, 0.26%, and 13.04%, P < 0.01) and Ralstonia (0.01%, 0.02%, and 16.07%, P < 0.01) across the groups. Notably, some functional metabolic pathways related to sugar degradation were observed to have significant change with increasing use of povidone iodine. CONCLUSION Povidone iodine was associated with the vaginal microbiome alterations after parturition, and its significant change was associated to the dosage of povidone iodine administered. The escalation in iodine dosage was linked to a decrease in Lactobacilli abundance, and elevated prevalence of Pseudomonas and Ralstonia. There is a need for longitudinal studies to clearly understanding the effect of povidone iodine use on maternal and infant microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Li
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- Shenzhen Nanshan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Linhua Geng
- Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Hongli Huang
- Shenzhen Luohu Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Chuan Nie
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Yuanfang Zhu
- Baoan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
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Saadaoui M, Singh P, Ortashi O, Al Khodor S. Role of the vaginal microbiome in miscarriage: exploring the relationship. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1232825. [PMID: 37780845 PMCID: PMC10533927 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1232825] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Miscarriage is a devastating pregnancy loss that affects many women worldwide. It is characterized as a spontaneous miscarriage that occurs before 20 weeks of gestation which affects more than 25% of pregnancies. While the causes of miscarriage are complex and multifactorial, recent research has suggested a potential role of the vaginal microbiota. The vaginal microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of microbes that are essential for preserving vaginal health and avoiding infections. Vaginal dysbiosis has been accompanied with numerous adverse pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth. However, the effect of the vaginal microbiome in miscarriage is not fully understood. This review aims to investigate the link between vaginal microbiota and miscarriage. Also, we investigate the various mechanisms through which the vaginal microbiota may affect miscarriage. Additionally, we examine the implications of these research findings, specifically the possibility of vaginal microbiome screening and targeted interventions to prevent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parul Singh
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Osman Ortashi
- Women’s Services Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Vanstokstraeten R, Demuyser T, Piérard D, Wybo I, Blockeel C, Mackens S. Culturomics in Unraveling the Upper Female Reproductive Tract Microbiota. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:151-159. [PMID: 38101449 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the study of the human microbiome has surged, shedding light on potential connections between microbiome composition and various diseases. One specific area of intense interest within this research is the female reproductive tract, as it holds the potential to influence the process of embryo implantation. Advanced sequencing technologies have delivered unprecedented insights into the microbial communities, also known as microbiota, residing in the female reproductive tract. However, their efficacy encounters significant challenges when analyzing low-biomass microbiota, such as those present in the endometrium. These molecular techniques are susceptible to contamination from laboratory reagents and extraction kits, leading to sequencing bias that can significantly alter the perceived taxonomy of a sample. Consequently, investigating the microbiota of the upper female reproductive tract necessitates the exploration of alternative methods. In this context, the current review delves into the application of culturomics in unraveling the upper female reproductive tract microbiota. While culturomics holds value in research, its transition to routine clinical practice appears remote, at least in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vanstokstraeten
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Demuyser
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- AIMS Lab, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Piérard
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Wybo
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Shari Mackens
- Brussels IVF, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
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Garg A, Ellis LB, Love RL, Grewal K, Bowden S, Bennett PR, Kyrgiou M. Vaginal microbiome in obesity and its impact on reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 90:102365. [PMID: 37399714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
A number of reproductive outcomes have been increasingly found to be affected by the vaginal microbiota. Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting increasing numbers of reproductive-age women, and has been shown to be a risk factor for a number of adverse female health outcomes. A healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by Lactobacillus-dominance, in particular Lactobacillus crispatus; obesity has been found to be associated with higher diversity and a lower likelihood of Lactobacillus-dominance. In this review, we summarize the evidence on the vaginal microbiome in obese women and the impact on reproductive outcomes such as conception rates, early pregnancy, and preterm birth. We further explore the mechanisms by which obesity may result in an altered microbial composition and highlight future avenues for therapeutic targeting of the vaginal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Laura Burney Ellis
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ryan Laurence Love
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Karen Grewal
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bowden
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, W12 0NN, London, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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Wihlfahrt K, Günther V, Mendling W, Westermann A, Willer D, Gitas G, Ruchay Z, Maass N, Allahqoli L, Alkatout I. Sexually Transmitted Diseases-An Update and Overview of Current Research. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091656. [PMID: 37175047 PMCID: PMC10178083 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091656] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A rise in the rates of sexually transmitted diseases, both worldwide and in Germany, has been observed especially among persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Since many infections are devoid of symptoms or cause few symptoms, the diseases are detected late, may spread unchecked, and be transmitted unwittingly. In the event of persistent infection, the effects depend on the pathogen in question. Manifestations vary widely, ranging from pelvic inflammatory disease, most often caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (in Germany nearly 30% of PID) or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (in Germany <2% of PID), to the development of genital warts or cervical dysplasia in cases of infection with the HP virus. Causal treatment does exist in most cases and should always be administered to the sexual partner(s) as well. An infection during pregnancy calls for an individual treatment approach, depending on the pathogen and the week of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Wihlfahrt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Veronika Günther
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Werner Mendling
- German Center for Infections in Gynecology and Obstetrics, at Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Anna Westermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Damaris Willer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Georgios Gitas
- Department of Gynecology-Robotic Surgery at European Interbalkan Medical Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zino Ruchay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Leila Allahqoli
- School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran 14167-53955, Iran
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3 (House C), 24105 Kiel, Germany
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Alterations of Vaginal Microbiota and Chlamydia trachomatis as Crucial Co-Causative Factors in Cervical Cancer Genesis Procured by HPV. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030662. [PMID: 36985236 PMCID: PMC10053692 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most common pathogens found in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and both are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer (CC) and infertility. HPV is extremely common worldwide, and scientists use it to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk genotypes. In addition, HPV transmission can occur via simple contact in the genital area. From 50 to 80% of sexually active individuals become infected with both C. trachomatis and HPV viruses during their lifetime, and up to 50% become infected with an HPV oncogenic genotype. The natural history of this coinfection is strongly conditioned by the balance between the host microbiome and immune condition and the infecting agent. Though the infection often regresses, it tends to persist throughout adult life asymptomatically and silently. The partnership between HPV and C. trachomatis is basically due to their similarities: common transmission routes, reciprocal advantages, and the same risk factors. C. trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacteria, similar to HPV, and an intracellular bacterium, which shows a unique biphasic development that helps the latter continue its steady progression into the host throughout the entire life. Indeed, depending on the individual’s immune condition, the C. trachomatis infection tends to migrate toward the upper genital tract and spread to the uterus, and the fallopian tubes open up a pathway to HPV invasion. In addition, most HPV and C. trachomatis infections related to the female genital tract are facilitated by the decay of the first line of defense in the vaginal environment, which is constituted by a healthy vaginal microbiome that is characterized by a net equilibrium of all its components. Thus, the aim of this paper was to highlight the complexity and fragility of the vaginal microenvironment and accentuate the fundamental role of all elements and systems involved, including the Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus) and the immune–endocrine system, in preserving it from oncogenic mutation. Therefore, age, diet, and genetic predisposition together with an unspecific, persistent low-grade inflammatory state were found to be implicated in a high frequency and severity grade of disease, potentially resulting in pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions.
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11
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Kero K, Hieta N, Kallonen T, Ahtikoski A, Laine HK, Rautava J, Munukka E. Optimal sampling and analysis methods for clinical diagnostics of vaginal microbiome. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:201-208. [PMID: 36624297 PMCID: PMC9837015 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-022-04545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing-based microbiological analysis is a complex way to profile vaginal microbiome samples since each step affects the results gained. Methodologies for sample collection lack golden standards. We compared Puritan DNA/RNA swab (PS) and Copan FLOQ swab (CS) and provided consistent and reliable microbiome profiles analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We collected two consecutive vaginal samples utilizing PS with room temperature storing and CS with instant freezing from 26 women. Variable region 4 of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified with single PCR by custom-designed dual-indexed primers and sequenced with Illumina MiSeq system. Read quality control, operational taxonomic unit tables, and alpha and beta diversities analysis were performed, and community richness, diversity, and evenness were evaluated and compared between the two samplings and tests. Nineteen sample pairs produced detectable, intact DNA during the extraction protocol and/or further microbial profiles. Alpha bacterial diversity indices were independent on the collection protocol. No significant statistical differences were found in the measured beta diversity metrics between the collection methods. Of the women, 43% had Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiome profile despite of collection method. Previously reported important vaginal microbiome phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria were present in the sample set although their relative abundances varied among individuals. PS and CS enable constant vaginal microbiota sampling. The PS method with no need for instant freezing is suitable for on-site collections at clinics. Furthermore, it seems to be possible to take two samples instead of one with constant microbiological results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niina Hieta
- Department of Dermatology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Kallonen
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, Microbiome Biobank, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anne Ahtikoski
- Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hanna K Laine
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 1, 00290, ClinicumHelsinki, Finland.
| | - Jaana Rautava
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 1, 00290, ClinicumHelsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eveliina Munukka
- Institute of Biomedicine, Microbiome Biobank, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Biocodex Nordics, Metsänneidonkuja 8, Espoo, Finland
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