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)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Steven S. Witkin, Antonio F. Moron, Iara M. Linhares, Larry J. Forney
Summary: The composition of the vaginal microbiota in mid-trimester pregnant women is influenced by the relative concentrations of L. crispatus, L. iners and G. vaginalis.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Larissa K. Ratten, Erica L. Plummer, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Christopher K. Fairley, Gerald L. Murray, Suzanne M. Garland, Deborah Bateson, Gilda Tachedjian, Lindi Masson, Lenka A. Vodstrcil
Summary: The use of exogenous sex steroids, especially estrogen-containing compounds, may have a positive effect on the vaginal microbiota, promoting an optimal composition. However, the impact of progestin-only contraceptives on the vaginal microbiota is still unclear and requires more research for potential adverse effects on reproductive and sexual health.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(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)
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)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashomathi Mollin, Mounika Katta, Jack D. Sobel, Robert A. Akins
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with vaginal dysbiosis and high recurrence rates. This study found that different bacterial species and their abundance are correlated with treatment outcomes, suggesting potential prognostic and therapeutic significance.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Agnieszka Kolakowska, Fatma El Alaoui, Heida Ben Alba, Salima Challal, Etienne Carbonnelle, Francoise Jaureguy
Summary: The incidence of extra pelvic infections due to vaginal microflora bacteria has increased. However, there is little knowledge about the risk factors, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of bone infections. We describe a case of spondylodiscitis caused by polymicrobial vaginal flora, which recovered after antibiotic treatment.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yingxuan Zhang, Si Chen, Xiaofeng Chen, Huimin Zhang, Xuge Huang, Xiaomeng Xue, Yinan Guo, Xiaofeng Ruan, Xiaorong Liu, Gaopi Deng, Songping Luo, Jie Gao
Summary: This study found that high levels of Gardnerella were associated with tubal pregnancy in women with symptomatic early pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. K. Ratten, E. L. Plummer, G. L. Murray, J. Danielewski, C. K. Fairley, S. M. Garland, J. S. Hocking, G. Tachedjian, E. P. F. Chow, C. S. Bradshaw, L. A. Vodstrcil
Summary: This study aimed to determine the associations between sexual practices, factors, and the composition of the vaginal microbiome (VM) of women treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Results showed that ongoing sex with a regular sexual partner (RSP) was associated with a VM comprised of increased relative abundance of non-optimal BV-associated bacteria and a decreased relative abundance of optimal Lactobacillus species.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agnes Baud, Kenzo-Hugo Hillion, Celine Plainvert, Veronique Tessier, Asmaa Tazi, Laurent Mandelbrot, Claire Poyart, Sean P. Kennedy
Summary: The vaginal microbiota, primarily composed of lactobacilli, plays a crucial role in women's reproductive and general health. Disruption of the balance of this microbiota can lead to conditions like bacterial vaginosis and affect pregnancy outcomes. Understanding the impact of changes in composition and diversity on pregnancy outcomes, especially in women with high prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis, is still limited.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xin Shen, Lin Xu, Zhiquan Zhang, Yitong Yang, Pengxian Li, Teng Ma, Shuai Guo, Lai-Yu Kwok, Zhihong Sun
Summary: Vaginitis is a common gynecological disease caused by vaginal dysbiosis. Clinical treatment using antibiotics often results in adverse reactions and relapse, while probiotics intervention can restore vaginal microbiota and alleviate bacterial vaginitis (BV). In this study, a clinical trial involving 50 BV patients was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a postbiotic gel applied for one week. The results showed that the postbiotic gel improved symptoms of BV and increased the abundance of vaginal lactobacilli, which were negatively correlated with potential vaginal pathogens and abnormal vaginal secretions. Overall, this study provides valuable clinical data for managing BV.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nicole M. Gilbert, Lynne R. Foster, Bin Cao, Yin Yin, Indira U. Mysorekar, Amanda L. Lewis
Summary: In a mouse model of pregnancy, vaginal exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis was found to increase the colonization of Group B Streptococcus in the vagina, leading to an increased risk of invasive perinatal Group B Streptococcus infections. This suggests that future clinical studies should investigate Gardnerella vaginalis as a risk factor for Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in women.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
David N. Fredricks, Anna Plantinga, Sujatha Srinivasan, Antoinette Oot, Andrew Wiser, Tina L. Fiedler, Sean Proll, Michael C. Wu, Jeanne M. Marrazzo
Summary: This study found that the presence or concentrations of BV-associated bacteria in the mouth, anus, labia, and vagina can predict whether women will develop BV in the future.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Louise Carson, Ruth Merkatz, Elena Martinelli, Peter Boyd, Bruce Variano, Teresa Sallent, Robert Karl Malcolm
Summary: This timely review article provides an overview of various aspects related to the vaginal microbiome and vaginal ring technology, including vaginal microbiota, biofilm formation, mechanistic aspects of biofilm formation on polymeric surfaces, polymeric materials used in the manufacture of vaginal rings, surface morphology characteristics of rings, biomass accumulation and biofilm formation on vaginal rings, and regulatory considerations.
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
Infectious Diseases
Eric P. F. Chow, Chen Lew, Julien Tran, Tiffany R. Phillips, Kate Maddaford, Christopher K. Fairley
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Ei T. Aung, Marcus Y. Chen, Christopher K. Fairley, Jason J. Ong, Eric P. F. Chow
MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Carol El-Hayek, Siamak Barzegar, Noel Faux, Kim Doyle, Priyanka Pillai, Simon J. Mutch, Alaina Vaisey, Roger Ward, Lena Sanci, Adam G. Dunn, Margaret E. Hellard, Jane S. Hocking, Karin Verspoor, Douglas I. R. Boyle
Summary: This study evaluated the suitability of four automated de-identification tools for Australian general practice progress notes and found that existing off-the-shelf solutions required modification to be applicable in this context. Philter showed the most promise with high recall and flexibility, but extensive revisions of its pattern matching rules and dictionaries are necessary.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amelia Margaret Wardley, Henrietta Williams, Jacqueline Coombe, Cassandra Caddy, Christopher Kincaid Fairley, Jane Simone Hocking
Summary: This study assessed the attitudes of MSM towards 3-monthly chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening through interviews. While participants were hesitant about reducing the screening frequency, changes may be acceptable if transparent communication, presenting the benefits and harms of screening and treatment, was delivered by a trusted healthcare professional.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicholas Fidler, Ivo Vlaev, Kelly Ann Schmidtke, Eric P. F. Chow, David Lee, Daniel Read, Jason J. Ong
Summary: This study investigates the potential of nudges, a behavioral economics technique, to encourage the use of PrEP among overseas-born MSM in Australia. The study explores the preferences of overseas-born MSM for different nudges and their reported likelihood of seeking information about PrEP.
Review
Immunology
Kanwal Saleem, Ee Lynn Ting, Andre J. W. Loh, Rachel Baggaley, Maeve B. Mello, Muhammad S. Jamil, Magdalena Barr-Dichiara, Cheryl Johnson, Sami L. Gottlieb, Christopher K. Fairley, Eric P. F. Chow, Jason J. Ong
Summary: Among the 37.7 million people living with HIV in 2020, 6.1 million were unaware of their HIV status. The study highlights the low rate of concurrent HIV testing among individuals tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Integration of HIV and STI services is necessary to improve prevention efforts, early diagnosis, and access to care.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ethan Trey Cardwell, Teralynn Ludwick, Christopher Fairley, Christopher Bourne, Shanton Chang, Jane S. Hocking, Fabian Y. S. Kong
Summary: This study systematically identified and assessed web-based STI/HIV testing services in Australia. The study found considerable variability in the quality and reliability of these services, and it is important for Australia to develop national standards to ensure the standard of care offered by these services is appropriate to protect users from the impact of inappropriate tests.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jason Wu, Christopher K. Fairley, Daniel Grace, Eric P. F. Chow, Jason J. Ong
Summary: Most Australian general practitioners (GPs) agree with the message of undetectable HIV viral load equals untransmissible (U=U), but only a small number have discussed U=U with their clients. The main barriers to discussing U=U are lack of relevant client presentations, lack of understanding about U=U, and difficulty identifying those who would benefit from U=U.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melis Gezer, Barbara Hunter, Jane S. S. Hocking, Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Jane L. L. Goller
Summary: This study explored clinicians' views towards a proposed digital intervention for supporting STI care in Australian general practice. The results showed that the clinicians generally had a positive attitude towards the digital intervention, believing that it could improve care and support management. However, factors such as insensitivity to patient context and time constraints were identified as barriers to the use and implementation of the intervention.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Warittha Tieosapjaroen, Jason J. Ong, Christopher K. Fairley, Kanwal Saleem, Tiffany R. Phillips, Julien Tran, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Marcus Y. Chen, Eric P. F. Chow
Summary: Despite the increased proportion of heterosexuals in Australia contracting HIV, their HIV testing behaviors are not well understood. This study examined the trends and factors associated with HIV testing behaviors among heterosexuals. The results showed that only 40.8% of heterosexuals had ever tested for HIV, with a declining trend in recent years. Factors such as engaging in condomless sex and having a sexually transmitted infection were associated with lower rates of HIV testing.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eric P. F. Chow, Ranjit S. Samra, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Marcus Y. Chen, Deborah A. Williamson, Janet M. Towns, Kate Maddaford, Finn Mercury, Christopher K. Fairley
Summary: This study investigated community understanding of mpox, attitudes towards vaccination, and potential changes in sexual practices during the mpox outbreak. The results showed that most participants were aware of mpox and had been vaccinated, and a significant proportion reported intentions to reduce or stop certain sexual practices, which may explain the decrease in mpox cases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jane S. Hocking, Cathy Watson, Patty Chondros, Susan M. Sawyer, Jemimah Ride, Meredith Temple-Smith, Douglas Boyle, Rachel Skinner, George C. Patton, Megan S. C. Lim, Jane Pirkis, Caroline Johnson, Sara Newton, Amelia Wardley, Grant Blashki, Rebecca Guy, Kim Dalziel, Lena Sanci
Summary: Adolescence is a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as the onset of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and sexual and reproductive health risks. This trial aims to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fee-for-service for annual health assessments for young people in detecting and managing health risk behaviors and conditions. The study will be conducted in Australian general practices and will involve 42 practices randomly assigned to either receive a rebate payment or no rebate. The primary outcome will be the annual rate of recorded risk behaviors and health conditions, while secondary outcomes include patient management activities and cost-effectiveness evaluation.
Article
Immunology
Emily J. Clarke, Lenka A. Vodstrcil, Erica L. Plummer, Ivette Aguirre, Ranjit S. Samra, Christopher K. Fairley, Eric P. F. Chow, Catriona S. Bradshaw
Summary: The high levels of resistance to macrolide and fluoroquinolone antibiotics have made it increasingly difficult to treat Mycoplasma genitalium infections. Minocycline is an alternative treatment for patients who are resistant to macrolides or have contraindications or resistance to fluoroquinolones. However, there is limited published data on the efficacy of minocycline for M genitalium.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michelle Raggatt, Cassandra J. C. Wright, Rachel Sacks-Davis, Paul M. Dietz, Margaret E. Hellard, Jane S. Hocking, Megan S. C. Lim
Summary: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a web-based peer network survey in recruiting adolescent peer networks by comparing two reimbursement strategies. The experimental group will receive additional vouchers for each referred participant who completes the study, while the control group will only be reimbursed for their own survey completion. The outcomes of this trial will improve the recruitment of young people to web-based network studies of sensitive health issues.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wen Fang, Jacqueline Coombe, Jane S. Hocking, Helen Bittleston
Summary: In early 2020, the Australian government implemented lockdown restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The study investigates the impact of these lockdowns on sexual desire and enjoyment of sex among Australian women. An online survey was conducted in August 2020, with respondents asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their sexual desire and/or enjoyment. Factors associated with desire were analyzed using statistical tests, while free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively. Results showed that lockdowns had a significant impact on sexual desire, with mental health, living arrangements, and reduced ability to meet sexual partners being key reasons for this impact.