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
Microbiology
Eric Armstrong, Rupert Kaul
Summary: HIV incidence remains high in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly affecting women. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in African, Caribbean, and other Black (ACB) women is associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition, with Lactobacillus species such as L. crispatus offering better protection compared to the more common species L. iners. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms behind the varying levels of HIV protection among different Lactobacillus species.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Eric Armstrong, Rupert Kaul, Craig R. Cohen
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a genital condition characterized by high vaginal bacterial diversity and lack of Lactobacillus species, which is associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission. Current BV treatment with antibiotics is not effective in promoting Lactobacillus growth, leading to high recurrence rates. Recent studies have shown that BV treatment strategies incorporating live biotherapeutic lactobacilli can optimize the vaginal microbiome and reduce inflammatory biomarkers associated with HIV susceptibility. Future research is needed to evaluate BV treatment strategies that can promote long-term colonization of H2O2-producing vaginal lactobacilli and assess their effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Johanna B. Holm, Michael T. France, Pawel Gajer, Bing Ma, Rebecca M. Brotman, Michelle Shardell, Larry Forney, Jacques Ravel
Summary: Metagenomic community state types (mgCSTs) are a novel approach to describe and define vaginal microbiomes based on both composition and functional potential. They enable the investigation of multiple strains and functional diversity within the same species, and may lead to novel hypotheses and therapeutic strategies to improve women's genital health.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rebecca Jane Joseph, Hooi-Leng Ser, Yi-He Kuai, Loh Teng-Hern Tan, Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk Arasoo, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Lijing Wang, Priyia Pusparajah, Bey-Hing Goh, Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib, Kok-Gan Chan, Learn-Han Lee
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis, caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, affects one-third of women worldwide and is associated with high treatment failure and recurrence rates. Current research is focused on alternative treatments like probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplants to improve treatment outcomes and reduce colonization by pathogenic microbes.
Article
Immunology
Fengyuan Qi, Shangrong Fan, Chao Fang, Lan Ge, Jinli Lyu, Zhuoqi Huang, Shaowei Zhao, Yuanqiang Zou, Liting Huang, Xinyang Liu, Yiheng Liang, Yongke Zhang, Yiyi Zhong, Haifeng Zhang, Liang Xiao, Xiaowei Zhang
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of oral Chinese-origin Lactobacillus with adjuvant metronidazole in treating Chinese BV patients. The results showed that oral administration of probiotics did not improve cure rates, but it effectively restored vaginal health after cure and mainly acted through the intestine.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sarah E. Brown, Susan Tuddenham, Michelle D. Shardell, Mark A. Klebanoff, Khalil G. Ghanem, Rebecca M. Brotman
Summary: This study found an association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and the duration of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection, with BV patients having longer durations and lower rates of spontaneous clearance.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Scott J. J. Dos Santos, Zahra Pakzad, Arianne Y. K. Albert, Chelsea N. N. Elwood, Kirsten Grabowska, Matthew G. G. Links, Jennifer A. A. Hutcheon, Evelyn J. J. Maan, Amee R. R. Manges, Tim J. J. Dumonceaux, Zoe G. Hodgson, Janet Lyons, Sheona M. M. Mitchell-Foster, Soren Gantt, K. S. Joseph, Julie E. E. Van Schalkwyk, Janet E. E. Hill, Deborah M. M. Money
Summary: Birth mode has a significant effect on the composition of neonatal gut microbiome within 10 days postpartum, but this effect is not influenced by maternal vaginal microbiome composition. There is no correlation between the vaginal and stool microbiome communities of newborns. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is associated with lower abundances of specific bacterial strains in infant stool.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hanyu Qin, Yun Liu, Zhengyuan Zhai, Bingbing Xiao
Summary: This study found that different subgroups of Gardnerella exhibit differences in biofilm formation ability and antibiotic resistance. Strains with strong biofilm ability contain more genes involved in carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism. These findings contribute to the development of novel treatments for bacterial vaginosis.
Article
Immunology
Bingbing Xiao, A. Disi, Hanyu Qin, Lan Mi, Dai Zhang
Summary: Mixed vaginitis is a condition where different types of vaginal pathogens coexist. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) plus vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common form. There is limited research on the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and therapy of mixed vaginitis. This study investigated the effect of combined drug treatment on the vaginal microbiome in BV+VVC mixed vaginitis patients and found that it can alter the composition of the microbiome, with increased abundance of Lactobacillus improving the prognosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joanna-Lynn C. Borgogna, Michelle D. Shardell, Savannah G. Grace, Elisa K. Santori, Benjamin Americus, Zhong Li, Alexander Ulanov, Larry Forney, Tiffanie M. Nelson, Rebecca M. Brotman, Jacques Ravel, Carl J. Yeoman
Summary: The study found a direct impact of common biogenic amines on vaginal Lactobacillus species, with increases in biogenic amines associated with the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and affecting the growth and lactic acid production of Lactobacillus species. Results suggest that biogenic amines play an important role in destabilizing vaginal Lactobacillus species and diminishing their protective role in the vaginal microenvironment.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Renata S. Auriemma, Roberta Scairati, Guendalina del Vecchio, Alessia Liccardi, Nunzia Verde, Rosa Pirchio, Rosario Pivonello, Danilo Ercolini, Annamaria Colao
Summary: The vaginal microbial niche is a dynamic ecosystem consisting of over 200 bacterial species influenced by genes, ethnic background, and environmental-behavioral factors. It has been well documented that the vaginal microbiome constantly changes throughout a woman's life, exerting a significant impact on her quality of life. This review discusses the role of the vaginal microbiome in maintaining woman's homeostasis and tracking critical changes that commonly occur across a woman's lifetime, as well as the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jacob H. Elnaggar, Caleb M. Ardizzone, Nuno Cerca, Evelyn Toh, Pawel Laniewski, Rebecca A. Lillis, Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz, Alison J. Quayle, Christina A. Muzny, Christopher M. Taylor
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis characterized by the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm on vaginal epithelial cells. The standard method for quantifying the bacterial burden of BV biofilm using Escherichia coli as a reference has limitations. A novel qPCR standard using different combinations of vaginal bacteria was proposed to accurately quantify bacterial burden in vaginal microbial communities, which showed superior accuracy compared to the traditional E. coli reference standard.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
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)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rodman Turpin, Natalie Slopen, Joanna-Lynn C. Borgogna, Carl J. Yeoman, Xin He, Ryan S. Miller, Mark A. Klebanoff, Jacques Ravel, Rebecca M. Brotman
Summary: Psychosocial stress is associated with changes in vaginal microbiota composition, increasing the risk of infection, particularly molecular bacterial vaginosis (BV).
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Nichole Fairbrother, Arianne Albert, Cora Keeney, Devan Tchir, Rose B. Cameron
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of DOCS as a screening tool for perinatal OCD and compare it with the commonly used EPDS. The results showed that the total score of DOCS had the highest screening accuracy, while EPDS was not suitable as a screening tool for OCD. The findings support the use of DOCS as a screening tool for perinatal OCD and suggest the need for disorder-specific screening for perinatal anxiety and related disorders.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elisabeth McClymont, Mette T. Faber, Federica Belmonte, Susanne K. Kjaer
Summary: A large-scale population-based cohort study found that women who were vaccinated against HPV at a young age had a reduced risk of spontaneous preterm birth compared to unvaccinated women. This suggests that HPV vaccination may not only decrease the incidence of cervical cancer and severe precursors, but also reduce the risk of preterm birth related to HPV infection.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thomas Williams, Sandra Jackson, Ian Barr, Shabana Bi, Jinal Bhiman, Joanna Ellis, Anne von Gottberg, Stephen Lindstrom, Teresa Peret, Sanjiv Rughooputh, Mariana Viegas, Siddhivinayak Hirve, Maria Zambon, Wenqing Zhang
Summary: The 2019-2020 WHO RSV EQA assessed the performance of 28 laboratories in the molecular detection and subtyping of RSV. The majority of laboratories performed at a high standard.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Elisabeth McClymont, Darrell H. S. Tan, Suraya Bondy, Arianne Albert, Francois Coutlee, Marette Lee, Sharon Walmsley, Gina Ogilvie, Deborah Money
Summary: HSV-2 infection was not significantly associated with HPV-related outcomes in HIV-infected individuals who received the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. However, the use of anti-HSV medications was associated with higher odds of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology and a greater number of HPV types detected.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STD & AIDS
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiam Chemaitelly, Patrick Tang, Peter Coyle, Hadi M. Yassine, Hebah A. Al-Khatib, Maria K. Smatti, Mohammad R. Hasan, Houssein H. Ayoub, Heba N. Altarawneh, Zaina Al-Kanaani, Einas Al-Kuwari, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar H. Kaleeckal, Ali N. Latif, Riyazuddin M. Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul-Rahim, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Mohamed G. Al-Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Hamad E. Al-Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Abdullatif Al-Khal, Roberto Bertollini, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Elinor Shvartsman, Catia T. Perciani, Meika E. I. Richmond, Justen N. H. Russell, Riley H. Tough, Sarah J. Vancuren, Janet E. Hill, Walter Jaoko, Lyle R. McKinnon, Paul A. Sandstrom, Kelly S. MacDonald
Summary: Most cervicovaginal microbiome-immunology studies rely on 16S rDNA microbial profiling which cannot differentiate the subgroups of Gardnerella. This study used the cpn60 universal target to examine cervicovaginal microbial profiling and its association with inflammation and HIV susceptibility. The findings suggest that the associations between Gardnerella subgroups and mucosal immunity differ, providing insights into the mechanisms of BV-associated HIV risk.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elisabeth McClymont, Deborah Money
Summary: The WHO now recommends one-dose HPV vaccination schedules. This article investigates the challenges and research needs for women living with HIV regarding HPV vaccination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Andres Perez-Lopez, Mohammed Suleiman, Nazik Elamin, Suruchi Mohan, Omar Imam, Patrick Tang
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xinrui Huang, Iratxe Torre, Michele Chiappi, Zhan Yin, Anupama Vydyanath, Shuangyi Cao, Oliver Raschdorf, Morgan Beeby, Bonnie Quigley, Pieter P. de Tombe, Jun Liu, Edward P. Morris, Pradeep K. Luther
Summary: Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) is a rod-shaped protein composed of 10 or 11 immunoglobulin- or fibronectin-like domains that binds to the thick filament in vertebrate cardiac muscle. It regulates contraction in a phosphorylation-dependent manner and its 3D organization in the sarcomere may provide insights into its function. Cryo-electron tomography revealed the fine structure of MyBP-C in relaxed rat cardiac muscle, showing its connection to actin and suggesting potential interactions with myosin heads. The finding of a distinct structure at Stripe 4 may have broader implications in cardiac and skeletal muscles.
JOURNAL OF MUSCLE RESEARCH AND CELL MOTILITY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Adeel A. Butt, Peter Coyle, Laith J. Abu-Raddad, Patrick Tang, Sara Khalife, Talar Yacoubian, Roberto Bertollini
Summary: No Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus cases were found during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which had 1.4 million visitors. The robust monitoring mechanisms implemented by Qatar can serve as a template for future events to detect important infectious diseases globally.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hiam Chemaitelly, Houssein H. Ayoub, Patrick Tang, Peter Coyle, Hadi M. Yassine, Asmaa A. Al Thani, Hebah A. Al-Khatib, Mohammad R. Hasan, Zaina Al-Kanaani, Einas Al-Kuwari, Andrew Jeremijenko, Anvar Hassan Kaleeckal, Ali Nizar Latif, Riyazuddin Mohammad Shaik, Hanan F. Abdul-Rahim, Gheyath K. Nasrallah, Mohamed Ghaith Al-Kuwari, Adeel A. Butt, Hamad Eid Al-Romaihi, Mohamed H. Al-Thani, Abdullatif Al-Khal, Roberto Bertollini, Jeremy Samuel Faust, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA boosters in individuals with different immune histories and clinical vulnerability profiles. The data showed that the booster vaccine provided 26.2% effectiveness against infection and 75.1% effectiveness against severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 during a 1-year follow-up period. The effectiveness was particularly significant in individuals who were clinically vulnerable to severe COVID-19.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Scott J. Dos Santos, Ishika Shukla, Janet E. Hill, Deborah M. Money
Summary: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, and alterations during critical developmental stages can have long-term effects. The lack of exposure to maternal vaginal microbes during caesarean delivery is thought to lead to gut microbiome dysbiosis. However, our study found limited transmission of the maternal vaginal microbiome to the neonatal gut, even in cases of vaginal delivery, suggesting alternative sources for the neonatal gut microbiome.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pashupati Bhandari, Janet E. Hill
Summary: Increased abundance of Gardnerella spp. is a diagnostic characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the human vaginal microbiome associated with troubling symptoms and negative reproductive health outcomes. Competition for nutrients is likely an important factor in causing dramatic shifts in the vaginal microbial community.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elisabeth McClymont, Jeffrey Bone, Jackson Orem, Fred Okuku, Mary Kalinaki, Misty Saracino, Meei-Li Huang, Stacy Selke, Anna Wald, Lawrence Corey, Corey Casper, Isabelle Boucoiran, Christine Johnston, Soren Gantt
Summary: HIV infection increases the replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the body, especially in the oral cavity, leading to a higher risk of transmission. Even HIV-infected individuals with relatively preserved CD4+ T-cell counts require additional interventions to control CMV replication.
Article
Microbiology
Darien Deschner, Dhinesh Periyasamy, Cheryl L. Waldner, Champika Fernando, Janet E. Hill
Summary: The lack of whole genome sequences for Mannheimia spp. other than Mannheimia haemolytica hinders their identification. This study presents the genome sequence of Mannheimia bovis 39324.S-11 and compares it with the only other publicly available sequence of M. bovis, ZY190616(T).
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)