scholarly journals Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia Trigger Distinct and Overlapping Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of Bacterial Vaginosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (7) ◽  
pp. 1099-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M Gilbert ◽  
Warren G Lewis ◽  
Guocai Li ◽  
Dorothy K Sojka ◽  
Jean Bernard Lubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Sialidase Activity ◽  
Ascending Infection ◽  
Prevotella Bivia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Tract Infections

AbstractBackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common imbalance of the vaginal microbiota characterized by overgrowth of diverse Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gram-negative anaerobes. Women with BV are at increased risk of secondary reproductive tract infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, which specific bacteria cause clinical features of BV is unclear.MethodsWe previously demonstrated that Gardnerella vaginalis could elicit many BV features in mice. In this study, we established a BV model in which we coinfected mice with G. vaginalis and another species commonly found in women with BV: Prevotella bivia.ResultsThis coinfection model recapitulates several aspects of human BV, including vaginal sialidase activity (a diagnostic BV feature independently associated with adverse outcomes), epithelial exfoliation, and ascending infection. It is notable that G. vaginalis facilitated uterine infection by P. bivia.ConclusionsTaken together, our model provides a framework for advancing our understanding of the role of individual or combinations of BV-associated bacteria in BV pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Reproductive Tract Infections in Symptomatic Women in Dakar, Senegal

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117863371985182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Diadhiou ◽  
Awa Ba Diallo ◽  
Mamadou Saidou Barry ◽  
Serge Covi Alavo ◽  
Ibrahima Mall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Genital Infection ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Reproductive Tract Infections ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Maternity Hospitals ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: Lower reproductive tract infections in women are important causes of morbidity but can also lead to complications and sequelae. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and risk factors of lower genital tract infections among women of reproductive age in Dakar (Senegal). Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in 6 maternity hospitals from July to November 2015. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 49 years and presented at health facilities with signs and symptoms of genital infection. Consenting individuals who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Results: During the reporting period, 276 patients were enrolled. According to the laboratory results, the prevalence of any genital infection was 69.6% (192 of 276). The most common vaginal infections were bacterial vaginosis (39.5%) and vaginal candidiasis (29%), with the third most common cause, trichomoniasis, trailing behind in terms of prevalence (2.5%). Among the microorganisms responsible for cervical infections, Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most frequent (27.5%), followed by Mycoplasma hominis (14.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis (4.7%), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (1.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that young women and women with low levels of education were at increased risk for vaginal/cervical infections. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis and suggests that health care providers should increase awareness and communication to improve vaginal hygiene practices. If infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, C trachomatis or N gonorrhoeae is suspected, we also recommend systematically performing laboratory diagnostic confirmation.

scholarly journals An Updated Conceptual Model on the Pathogenesis of Bacterial Vaginosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (9) ◽  
pp. 1399-1405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A Muzny ◽  
Christopher M Taylor ◽  
W Edward Swords ◽  
Ashutosh Tamhane ◽  
Debasish Chattopadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Virulent Strains ◽  
Prevotella Bivia ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, pelvic inflammatory disease, and an increased risk of acquisition of sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The epidemiology of BV supports sexual transmission. However, its etiology remains unknown. At the center of the debate is whether BV is caused by a primary pathogen or a polymicrobial consortium of microorganisms that are sexually transmitted. We previously published a conceptual model hypothesizing that BV is initiated by sexual transmission of Gardnerella vaginalis. Critics of this model have iterated that G. vaginalis is found in virginal women and in sexually active women with a normal vaginal microbiota. In addition, colonization does not always lead to BV. However, recent advances in BV pathogenesis research have determined the existence of 13 different species within the genus Gardnerella. It may be that healthy women are colonized by nonpathogenic Gardnerella species, whereas virulent strains are involved in BV development. Based on our results from a recent prospective study, in addition to an extensive literature review, we present an updated conceptual model for the pathogenesis of BV that centers on the roles of virulent strains of G. vaginalis, as well as Prevotella bivia and Atopobium vaginae.

scholarly journals The Paradoxical Effects of Hurricane Katrina on Births and Adverse Birth Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (10) ◽  
pp. 1466-1471
Author(s):  
Emily W. Harville ◽  
Xu Xiong ◽  
Maya David ◽  
Pierre Buekens
Keyword(s):  
Black Women ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
White Women ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
High Risk Women ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Number Of Births

Objectives. To review the trends in pregnancy outcomes after Hurricane Katrina and assess effects of the disaster on research and public health related to pregnant women. Methods. We reexamined the 2004–2006 vital statistics data from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, assessing what the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the population would have been under varying risk scenarios. Results. We saw a reduction in number of births as well as in low birth weight and preterm birth. If the number of births had stayed constant and the relative higher risk in the “missing” births had been between 17% and 100%, the storm would have been associated with an increased risk instead of a decrease. Because the relative decline in births was larger in Black women, the higher risk in the “missing” births required to create a significant increase associated with the storm was generally not as great as for White women. Conclusions. Higher exposure to Katrina may have produced a reduction in births among high-risk women in the region rather than increasing adverse outcomes among those who did give birth.

scholarly journals A Rare Cause of a Scrotal Abscess due to the Symbiotic Infection of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia in an Adult Male

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Bekasiak ◽  
Fabian Dammann ◽  
Claudia Nader
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Unusual Case ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Symbiotic Relationship ◽  
Prevotella Bivia ◽  
Genitourinary Infections

Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) is the major bacteria detected in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Prevotella bivia (P. bivia) has been demonstrated to show a symbiotic relationship with G. vaginalis. Some men have been shown to be colonized with G. vaginalis in their urogenital or anorectal tracts, however genitourinary infections in males, including balanitis and urethritis, due to this organism appear to be much less common. In this report, we summarize previous cases of men with G. vaginalis infection, and we present a rare and unusual case of a unilateral scrotal abscess caused by G. vaginalis in co-infection with P. bivia.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of a novel vaginal medical device in recurrent bacterial vaginosis: an international multicentre clinical trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippo Murina ◽  
Ciprian Crişan ◽  
Marius Biriş ◽  
Daniela Sîrbu ◽  
Dionisio Franco Barattini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Medical Device ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Vaginal Flora ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Lactobacillus Species ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

ABSTRACTSeveral risk factors have been identified but the etiology and pathogenesis of Bacterial vaginosis (BV) are still not completely understood, and the recurrence rate of BV remains high despite adequate chemotherapy treatment.The primary objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a new vaginal medical device, which contains polycarbophil, 0.04 % lauryl glucoside, and glycerides (Polybactum®– Effik Italia), in reducing BV recurrence rate.This was a multicenter, open label, not comparative study performed in Italy and Romania. Female subjects over 18-years-old affected by recurrent BV were included. The latest episode was diagnosed by Amsel criteria 6-9 days before the start of the study and treated with vaginal metronidazole (gel 0.75% mg for 5 days or ovules 500 mg for 7 days). The recurrence was defined by at least 2 episodes in the previous 12 months. Polybactum®vaginal ovules, day 1-4-7, were started within the 12th and the 24th hr after the end of metronidazole therapy and repeated monthly for 3 cycles.The first 41 patients enrolled were evaluated for an interim analysis 6 months after the study started; 2 patients interrupted the trial, leaving 39 evaluable subjects. The recurrence rate was significantly reduced compared to previous published data (10.26% vs 40% p<0.001). In 35 patients without recurrence, the assessment of Lactobacillus vaginal flora performed by phase contrast microscopy evidenced a significant improvement form baseline (p=0.022) The Investigator global assessment of tolerability was excellent in 38 out of 39 cases.IMPORTANCEBacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of childbearing age. In BV, Lactobacillus species, which are predominant in a healthy vaginal flora, are replaced by anaerobes, mainly Gardnerella vaginalis. BV is responsible for more than 60% of vulvovaginal infections and has been linked to serious, potentially life-threatening conditions, including: pelvic inflammatory disease, postoperative infections, acquisition and transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus, preterm birth, and several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our research showed that 3 monthly cycles of Polybactum®ovules administered after one course of metronidazole vaginal therapy can reduce the rate of Bacterial vaginosis recurrence and improve the vaginal milieu, favouring the growth of vaginal lactobacillus species. Taken together our results confirm that Polibactum®is a safe and effective treatment to reduce BV recurrence rate after a first line therapy with metronidazole.

scholarly journals Criteria for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis using the test Femoflor-16

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika V. Nazarova ◽  
Elena V. Shipitsyna ◽  
Ekaterina N. Gerasimova ◽  
Alevtina M. Savicheva
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Anaerobic Bacteria ◽  
Microscopic Investigation ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Nugent Score ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Amsel Criteria

Background. Bacterial vaginosis is disturbance of the balance of the vaginal microflora, associated with a number of infectious diseases of the urogenital tract and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this country, for the detection of vaginal dysbiotic conditions, the test Femoflor-16 (DNA-Technology, Moscow) is widely used, however interpretation algorithms of this test do not include the category of BV. Aim. The study aimed to elaborate diagnostic criteria for the detection of BV using Femoflor-16 test. Materials and methods. Women of reproductive age addressing a gynecologist with vaginal discharge were enrolled in the study. For clinical diagnosis of BV, the Amsel criteria were used, laboratory analysis for BV was performed via microscopic investigation of vaginal discharge using the Nugent score. Samples of vaginal discharge from all women were analyzed with the test Femoflor-16, intended for characterizing vaginal microbiocenosis using multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. Results. A total of 280 women were included in the study. BV was diagnosed in 86 women (31%) using the Amsel criteria, and in 81 women (29%) using the Nugent score. All groups of anaerobic bacteria included in Femoflor-16 test were shown to be associated with BV, with the exception of bacteria of the genus Mobiluncus, which are detected together with phylogenetically related but not BV-associated bacteria of the genus Corynebacterium. A low amount of lactobacilli (< 10% of total bacterial load) coupled with an elevated amount of Gardnerella vaginalis/Prevotella bivia/Porphyromonas (> 1%) and/or Eubacterium (> 2%) and/or Sneathia/Leptotrichia/Fusobacterium (> 0.1%) and/or Megasphaera/Veillonella/Dialister (> 0.1%) and/or Lachnobacterium/Clostridium (> 0.1%) and/or Peptostreptococcus (> 0.1%) and/or Atopobium vaginae (> 0.2%) detected BV with a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 93%. Conclusions. Criteria for BV diagnosis using the test Femoflor-16 have been elaborated, which enable to detect BV or exclude it with a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 93%. These criteria for BV and criteria of the test manufacturers for severe anaerobic dysbiosis determine to a large extent the same category of the vaginal microbiocenosis.

scholarly journals Alterations in Vaginal Microbiota among Pregnant Women with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebru Celik ◽  
Gulin Ozcan ◽  
Cansel Vatansever ◽  
Erxiati Paerhati ◽  
Mert Ahmet Kuskucu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Abstract Background: The maintenance of vaginal microbiota is an important factor to achieve ideal pregnancy outcomes. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been shown to have potential adverse effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy itself is a risk factor for the severity of COVID-19, with an increased risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, maternal morbidity, and mortality. the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in vaginal microbiome composition in pregnant women with COVID-19 has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we anticipate that COVID-19 may unfavorably affect the composition of the vaginal microbiota, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to describe the alterations of the composition of vaginal microbiota in pregnant women with COVID-19.Results: A prospective case-control study was conducted among 19 pregnant women with COVID-19 and 28 healthy controls matched according to the gestational week and age. The vaginal swabs were collected during the active phase of infection and consecutively, within a month after recovering from infection. In three patients, longitudinal samples before, in the course, and after infection were also obtained. The microbiome alterations were examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We indicated that COVID-19 was associated with vaginal dysbiosis during pregnancy, which was indicated by an increased alpha diversity index. There was a significantly decrease in Firmicutes (P=0.007) and Lactobacillus (P=0.019) with an increase in Bacteroidetes (P=0.024) in the COVID-19 group. In the moderate/severe group, increased amounts of Ureaplasma and vanishing of Lactobacillus gasseri were found in women, compared to the asymptomatic or mild group (P=0.001). In longitudinal analysis, elevation of Actinobacteria with reduction of Firmicutes and Bacteroides were indicated during the active phase. Conclusions: The study revealed vaginal dysbiosis with a low abundance of Lactobacillus and an increase in Bacteroidetes in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaginal dysbiosis in COVID-19 could be a contributing factor in pregnancy adverse outcomes. Trial registration: clinicaltrials, Registered 15 November 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04165252?cond=microbiota&cntry=TR&draw=3&rank=12

scholarly journals Crystal Violet Staining Alone Is Not Adequate to Assess Synergism or Antagonism in Multi-Species Biofilms of Bacteria Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Castro ◽  
Ângela Lima ◽  
Lúcia G. V. Sousa ◽  
Aliona S. Rosca ◽  
Christina A. Muzny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Crystal Violet ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Vaginal Epithelial Cells ◽  
Prevotella Bivia ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Biofilm Quantification

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) involves the presence of a multi-species biofilm adhered to vaginal epithelial cells, but its in-depth study has been limited due to the complexity of the bacterial community, which makes the design of in vitro models challenging. Perhaps the most common experimental technique to quantify biofilms is the crystal violet (CV) staining method. Despite its widespread utilization, the CV method is not without flaws. While biofilm CV quantification within the same strain in different conditions is normally accepted, assessing multi-species biofilms formation by CV staining might provide significant bias. For BV research, determining possible synergism or antagonism between species is a fundamental step for assessing the roles of individual species in BV development. Herein, we provide our perspective on how CV fails to properly quantify an in vitro triple-species biofilm composed of Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea (Atopobium) vaginae, and Prevotella bivia, three common BV-associated bacteria thought to play key roles in incident BV pathogenesis. We compared the CV method with total colony forming units (CFU) and fluorescence microscopy cell count methods. Not surprisingly, when comparing single-species biofilms, the relationship between biofilm biomass, total number of cells, and total cultivable cells was very different between each tested method, and also varied with the time of incubation. Thus, despite its wide utilization for single-species biofilm quantification, the CV method should not be considered for accurate quantification of multi-species biofilms in BV pathogenesis research.

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