Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucia G. V. Sousa, Carina Almeida, Christina A. Muzny, Nuno Cerca
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection worldwide. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe targeting Prevotella bivia, a common BV-associated bacteria, was developed, and a multiplex approach for detection of Gardnerella spp., P. bivia, and Fannyhessea vaginae was optimized. The P. bivia PNA probe specifically detected the target species, and the optimized multiplex approach could identify the presence of these three species in multi-species BV biofilms.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Aliona S. Rosca, Joana Castro, Angela Franca, Mario Vaneechoutte, Nuno Cerca
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common bacterial vaginal infection with an unknown etiology, characterized by structured polymicrobial biofilms primarily formed by Gardnerella spp. and other anaerobic species. The study compared triple-species biofilms using pre-conditioned and competitive models, finding more significant synergistic growth interactions in the competitive model. Despite model differences, G. vaginalis consistently dominated the biofilm composition, emphasizing its relevance in BV.
Article
Microbiology
Hyemin Kim, YongGyeong Kim, Chang-Ho Kang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of three lactic acid bacteria on bacterial vaginosis in a mice model, showing that they inhibited the growth of Gardnerella vaginalis, reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and decreased exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells. These lactic acid bacteria also demonstrated good tolerance, probiotic effects, and potential as food ingredients for ameliorating BV in women.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yu-Ping Huang, Jie-Yan Shi, Si-Chen Luo, Shao-Yan Xu, Jia-Dong Zhang, Istvan Molnar, Qiong-Qiong Yang, Bo-Bo Zhang
Summary: This study found that acetic acid and lactic acid in the cell-free supernatant of L. rhamnosus inhibit the growth of G. vaginalis by altering the morphology of the bacteria and affecting their ATP synthesis. The results provide valuable information for the use of L. rhamnosus in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tongyang Deng, Anquan Shang, Ying Zheng, Lianzhen Zhang, Hong Sun, Wei Wang
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore a new marker for the quantitative detection of bacterial vaginosis (BV) with high sensitivity and specificity. By comparing the differences in bacterial abundance between BV, healthy, and BV-intermediate groups using 16S rRNA-sequencing, candidate markers were identified. Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was then used to quantitatively detect these candidate markers and evaluate their sensitivity and specificity. Four new indicators for BV detection were discovered, with log L. crispatus/G. vaginalis (L/G) < 0 being the best indicator. A molecular diagnostic system independent of the Nugent Score could have an important impact on the clinical management of BV.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sunwha Park, Young-Ah You, Young-Han Kim, Eunjin Kwon, AbuZar Ansari, Soo Min Kim, Gain Lee, Young Min Hur, Yun Ji Jung, Kwangmin Kim, Young Ju Kim
Summary: Ureaplasma and Prevotella colonization is associated with preterm birth, but not all colonizations cause it. This study found a positive correlation between Ureaplasma and other genera with preterm birth, and a negative correlation between Lactobacillus and term birth, similar to Prevotella. Balanced colonization between Lactobacillus and Ureaplasma and Prevotella is important to prevent preterm birth.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mor Tsamir-Rimon, Elhanan Borenstein
Summary: This study successfully characterizes the progression from healthy Lactobacillus-dominant populations to Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and accurately quantifies the health condition of samples along this route by analyzing 8026 vaginal samples and using a manifold-detection framework.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Omid Gholizadeh, Zahra Yekanipour, Setareh Kivi, Farnoosh Farahbod, Mohadeseh Aqayinejad, Yalda Tasoujizade, Saman Yasamineh, Parya Amini, Sama Akbarzadeh, Mehrnaz Hajiesmaeili, Vahdat Poortahmasebi
Summary: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, typically acquired after the first sexual activity. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and temporary. Recurrent infections with high-risk HPV strains can lead to various cancers later in life. HPV infections are also significantly associated with reproductive function abnormalities, including male infertility and increased risk of miscarriage and premature labor. Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), an anaerobic bacterium, can contribute to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and reduced fertility in women. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of how GV and HPV cause infertility.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zhixiang Qian, Hui Zhu, Dan Zhao, Ping Yang, Fei Gao, Chunyi Lu, Yu Yin, Shidong Kan, Daijie Chen
Summary: The study investigated the potential therapeutic effects of three Lactobacillus strains on bacterial vaginosis, revealing their distinct growth and adhesion properties. These strains showed the ability to inhibit the growth and adhesion of G. vaginalis, as well as suppress biofilm formation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Philipp Foessleitner, Herbert Kiss, Julia Deinsberger, Julia Ott, Lorenz Zierhut, Klara Rosta, Veronica Falcone, Alex Farr
Summary: A study showed that the OSOM(R) BVBLUE(R) Test is an accurate method for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in asymptomatic pregnant women, making it a reliable and easy-to-use screening tool for this condition during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jinok Kwak, Sriniwas Pandey, Jinho Cho, Minho Song, Eun Sol Kim, Hyunok Doo, Gi Beom Keum, Sumin Ryu, Yejin Choi, Juyoun Kang, Sheena Kim, Jeongyun Kim, Hyeun Bum Kim
Summary: This study developed a mouse model for human BV induced by G. vaginalis, and demonstrated comparable clinical attributes to patients with BV.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sabrina Nicolo, Michele Tanturli, Giorgio Mattiuz, Alberto Antonelli, Ilaria Baccani, Chiara Bonaiuto, Simone Baldi, Giulia Nannini, Marta Menicatti, Gianluca Bartolucci, Gian Maria Rossolini, Amedeo Amedei, Maria Gabriella Torcia
Summary: Persistent infection with High Risk-Human Papilloma Viruses (HR-HPVs) is a primary cause of cervical cancer worldwide. Vaginal-dysbiosis-associated bacteria were correlated with the persistence of HR-HPVs infection and with increased cancer risk. Lactobacilli, especially L. gasseri or L. jensenii, may assist immune cells in clearing HPV infection and restore immune homeostasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Xiaodi Chen, Yune Lu, Tao Chen, Rongguo Li
Summary: The vaginal microbiome is crucial for women's health, with bacterial vaginosis (BV) associated with various adverse gynecologic and obstetric outcomes. Research on diagnosis and treatment strategies for BV is making progress.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Christine M. Akamine, Andrew Chou, Shahriar Tavakoli-Tabasi, Daniel M. Musher
Summary: Gardnerella vaginalis bacteremia in men is rare and often associated with underlying comorbid conditions. Infections typically originate from the genitourinary tract and may present with urinary tract symptoms or sepsis. Treatment with antibiotics is successful in most cases, but isolation and identification of G vaginalis can be delayed leading to a range of treatment options.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xinyu Zhao, Peter Boyd, Yahya Dallal Bashi, Diarmaid J. Murphy, Clare F. Mccoy, Sophie Coulter, Garry Laverty, R. Karl Malcolm
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis is a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota that may increase the risk of sexually acquired infections in women. Formulation development of a vaginal ring that releases both an HIV prevention drug and an antibiotic has shown feasibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Muhammad Imran Rahim, Szymon P. Szafranski, Alexandra Ingendoh-Tsakmakidis, Meike Stiesch, Peter P. Mueller
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Muhammad Imran Rahim, Andreas Winkel, Stefan Lienenklaus, Nico S. Stumpp, Szymon P. Szafranski, Nadine Kommerein, Elmar Willbold, Janin Reifenrath, Peter P. Mueller, Michael Eisenburger, Meike Stiesch
Article
Microbiology
Hui Wang, Nicole Beier, Christian Boedeker, Helena Sztajer, Petra Henke, Meina Neumann-Schaal, Johannes Mansky, Manfred Rohde, Joerg Overmann, Joern Petersen, Frank Klawonn, Martin Kucklick, Susanne Engelmann, Juergen Tomasch, Irene Wagner-Doebler
Summary: Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted by Dinoroseobacter shibae during cell division contain DNA enriched for specific gene regions, potentially repaired from overreplication. The vesicle proteome includes proteins interacting with peptidoglycan during division. The FtsK-dif-XerC/XerD molecular machinery may provide a novel route for DNA incorporation into OMVs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stefan Moritz, Cornelia Gottschick, Johannes Horn, Mario Popp, Susan Langer, Bianca Klee, Oliver Purschke, Michael Gekle, Angelika Ihling, Frank D. L. Zimmermann, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: The authors conducted an indoor experimental test event to evaluate transmission risks of SARS-CoV-2 and found that appropriate hygiene practices significantly reduce the risk. The quality of the ventilation system has a major impact on the burden of infections resulting from indoor mass gatherings.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Putri Bungsu Machmud, Saskia Glasauer, Cornelia Gottschick, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: In developing countries, factors such as monthly income, occupational status, and being a healthcare worker play significant roles in determining knowledge and vaccination status for hepatitis B. Additionally, familiarity with infected individuals and education level are strong predictors of hepatitis B knowledge, while factors such as health insurance, workplace protections, infection training, and prior exposure to hepatitis B influence vaccine uptake.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susan Langer, Bianca Klee, Cornelia Gottschick, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: Respiratory infections are common health problems in childhood, and studying symptoms in home based settings requires prospective cohort studies using symptom diaries. This scoping review identified birth cohort studies that collected data on respiratory symptoms using diaries, and found that these data and samples can be used to study a full spectrum of infections.
Article
Microbiology
Johannes Mansky, Hui Wang, Matthias Ebert, Elisabeth Haertig, Dieter Jahn, Juergen Tomasch, Irene Wagner-Doebler
Summary: The marine bacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae shows a dual behavior in co-culture with the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum. It initially provides essential vitamins to the algae but later becomes pathogenic and kills the dinoflagellate. This behavior is determined by a 191 kb plasmid and can be transferred to other bacteria. Transposon mutant experiments identified genes involved in establishing symbiosis as well as genes responsible for biotin uptake, depletion of which may lead to dinoflagellate apoptosis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Susan Langer, Johannes Horn, Cornelia Gottschick, Bianca Klee, Oliver Purschke, Mahrrouz Caputo, Evelyn Dorendorf, Kristin Maria Meyer-Schlinkmann, Heike Raupach-Rosin, Andre Karch, Nicole Ruebsamen, Mustafa Aydogdu, Matthias Buhles, Frank Dressler, Wolfgang Eberl, Franz Edler von Koch, Torsten Frambach, Heiko Franz, Florian Guthmann, Carlos A. Guzman, Roland Haase, Gesine Hansen, Valerie Heselich, Johannes Huebner, Hans Georg Koch, Carsten Oberhoff, Peggy Riese, Ralf Schild, Sven Seeger, Michael Tchirikov, Stephanie Trittel, Constantin von Kaisenberg, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: This study used symptom diaries to investigate the burden of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in German infants. The study found an average of 13.7 ARIs reported in the first two years of life, with each episode lasting 11 days. Childcare attendance and having siblings were associated with an increased frequency of ARIs, while exclusive breastfeeding for the first three months was associated with fewer ARIs.
Article
Immunology
Lisa Paschold, Bianca Klee, Cornelia Gottschick, Edith Willscher, Sophie Diexer, Christoph Schultheiss, Donjete Simnica, Daniel Sedding, Matthias Girndt, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Mascha Binder
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of optimizing vaccination strategies for potential viral variants. Researchers have developed a sequencing-based protocol to track B cells and determine the level of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation during the immunization period. The findings suggest that increasing antibody affinity to the ancestral strain is a priority when using vaccines not targeted at individual variants, as it may provide flexibility to compensate for strain-specific mutations. The study also shows that the third vaccine dose induces a rapid increase in somatic hypermutation, indicating increased affinity and potential protection against immune-escape variants.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Juergen Tomasch, Victoria Ringel, Hui Wang, Heike M. Freese, Pascal Bartling, Henner Brinkmann, John Vollmers, Michael Jarek, Irene Wagner-Doebler, Joern Petersen
Summary: The study reveals that two large natural plasmids from Dinoroseobacter shibae can be transferred into all major Rhodobacterales lineages. The transferred plasmids are stably maintained as single copy number replicons in the new host and improve the yield and stability of dinoflagellate culture during co-cultivation.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Christoph Schultheiss, Edith Willscher, Lisa Paschold, Cornelia Gottschick, Bianca Klee, Lidia Bosurgi, Jochen Dutzmann, Daniel Sedding, Thomas Frese, Matthias Girndt, Jessica I. Hoell, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Mascha Binder
Summary: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection that significantly impact life quality. This study reveals pronounced dysregulation in immune factors and persistence of viral protein in individuals with PASC, highlighting its biological heterogeneity. Further correlation with clinically defined PASC subtypes is needed.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Putri Bungsu Machmud, Amand Fuehrer, Cornelia Gottschick, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: In order to achieve the goals of the Global Hepatitis Elimination 2030 program, Indonesia is preparing a new regulation for hepatitis B vaccinations for adults. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing vaccine uptake for hepatitis B in the adult population, and identify barriers to, and facilitators of, hepatitis B vaccination programs. The survey found that only 15% of participants received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine uptake included location, education level, occupation, and health insurance coverage. The qualitative study identified barriers such as cost, vaccine availability, limited resources, and ineffective dissemination of information.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sophie Diexer, Bianca Klee, Cornelia Gottschick, Chao Xu, Anja Broda, Oliver Purschke, Mascha Binder, Thomas Frese, Matthias Girndt, Jessica I. Hoell, Irene Moor, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the dominant strain since 2022 and is associated with milder acute infection compared to previous variants. However, little is known about the occurrence of long-term symptoms after Omicron infection and how it is influenced by previous infections and/or vaccinations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Putri Bungsu Machmud, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Cornelia Gottschick
Summary: This study assessed factors associated with the willingness to be vaccinated against hepatitis B among Indonesia's adult population, considering cultural and geographic differences by analyzing the provinces of Aceh and Yogyakarta. It found that participants from Yogyakarta had a higher knowledge and risk perception of hepatitis B and were more willing to get vaccinated compared to participants from Aceh. The study highlights the need for a culturally adjusted approach to improve the hepatitis B vaccination program.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-HEIDELBERG
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Christoph Schultheiss, Edith Willscher, Lisa Paschold, Cornelia Gottschick, Bianca Klee, Svenja-Sibylla Henkes, Lidia Bosurgi, Jochen Dutzmann, Daniel Sedding, Thomas Frese, Matthias Girndt, Jessica I. Hoell, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Mascha Binder
Summary: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a global problem with unknown molecular drivers. A study found that 67.8% of participants, mostly with mild infections, reported PASC, with symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, and concentration deficit. These symptoms persisted in 60% of participants over an average 8-month follow-up period. PASC was associated with elevated plasma levels of IL-18, IL-6, and TNF.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)