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.
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alevtina M. Savicheva, Anna A. Krysanova, Olga V. Budilovskaya, Elena V. Spasibova, Tatiana A. Khusnutdinova, Kira V. Shalepo, Natalia R. Beliaeva, Galina Kh. Safarian, Kirill V. Sapozhnikov, Natalya I. Tapilskaya, Igor Yu. Kogan
Summary: Multiplex real-time PCR test can effectively evaluate the microbial composition and dominant lactobacilli species in women with bacterial vaginosis, and has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing the condition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Joyce Serebrenik, Tao Wang, Richard Hunte, Sujatha Srinivasan, Jessica McWalters, Gregory K. Tharp, Steven E. Bosinger, Tina L. Fiedler, Jessica M. Atrio, Kerry Murphy, Rebecca Barnett, Laurie R. Ray, Meighan L. Krows, David N. Fredricks, Elizabeth Irungu, Kenneth Ngure, Nelly Mugo, Jeanne Marrazzo, Marla J. Keller, Betsy C. Herold
Summary: This study compared the vaginal microbiota and ectocervical transcriptome of BV patients before and after oral metronidazole therapy in Bronx, New York and Thika, Kenya. Significant differences in transcription associated with chemokine signaling and immune system process were already present at enrollment between responders and nonresponders. Responders had lower levels of CXCL9 at baseline and showed increased concentrations of CXCL9, CXCL10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 during treatment compared to nonresponders.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Yujing Liu, Tingyuan Li, Ruochun Guo, Tingting Chen, Sumeng Wang, Dingkun Wu, Jing Li, Zhihua Liu, Yuqian Zhao, Jian Yin, Junjie Qin, Li Sun, Wen Chen
Summary: This study aimed to demonstrate the association between vaginal microbiota and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in women with and without bacterial vaginosis (BV). The findings showed that HR-HPV infection alters the composition and diversity of vaginal microbiota, and BV further reinforces this trend. Certain microbial genera are associated with multiple HPV infections, specific HPV genotypes, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) status.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kayla A. Carter, Jennifer E. Balkus, Omu Anzala, Joshua Kimani, Noah G. Hoffman, Tina L. Fiedler, Vernon Mochache, David N. Fredricks, Raymond Scott McClelland, Sujatha Srinivasan
Summary: Core vaginal bacteria are consistently associated with BV signs and symptoms across two distinct populations of women.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Romy D. Zwittink, Ellen H. A. van den Munckhof, Maurine A. Leverstein-van Hall, Kim Boers, Anco Molijn, Cornelis W. Knetsch, Ed J. Kuijper
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition with unknown cause that affects the vaginal microbiota. The study found that microbiota composition varies greatly between women with BV, making it challenging to define a healthy or unhealthy state and affecting diagnosis and treatment. Although an increase in Lactobacillus abundance after antibiotic treatment was observed in two-thirds of the women, it did not necessarily correlate with treatment outcomes, and complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge were more common after metronidazole treatment and associated with an increase in Ureaplasma abundance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giuseppina Campisciano, Nunzia Zanotta, Vincenzo Petix, Manuela Giangreco, Giuseppe Ricci, Gianpaolo Maso, Manola Comar, Francesco De Seta
Summary: The translation discusses the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis using Nugent score and qPCR, with qPCR proving to be more informative and accurate. Results showed discordance between Gram staining and qPCR in cases of partial BV, with a significant association between STIs and partial BV.
Article
Immunology
McKenna C. Eastment, Jennifer E. Balkus, Barbra A. Richardson, Sujatha Srinivasan, Joshua Kimani, Omu Anzala, Jane Schwebke, Tina L. Fiedler, David N. Fredricks, R. Scott McClelland
Summary: This study examined the relationship between various vaginal bacteria and the presence of yeast, and found that only a small number of bacteria were strongly associated with the presence or absence of yeast.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Erica L. Plummer, Lenka A. Vodstrcil, Michelle Doyle, Jennifer A. Danielewski, Gerald L. Murray, Glenda Fehler, Christopher K. Fairley, Dieter M. Bulach, Suzanne M. Garland, Eric P. F. Chow, Jane S. Hocking, Catriona S. Bradshaw
Summary: Initial treatment with antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis (BV) has a high rate of recurrence in women. A pilot study on heterosexual couples showed that concurrent partner treatment significantly reduced BV-associated bacteria in women and altered the genital microbiota composition in both partners. This approach may be a promising strategy to improve long-term BV cure rates.
Article
Immunology
Caroline M. Mitchell, Sujatha Srinivasan, Nanxun Ma, Susan D. Reed, Michael C. Wu, Noah G. Hoffman, Daniel J. Valint, Sean Proll, Tina L. Fiedler, Kathy J. Agnew, Katherine A. Guthrie, David N. Fredricks
Summary: The Nugent score, a reference standard for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis (BV), has different correlations with relative abundances of vaginal microbiota in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. High Nugent scores should not be used to infer BV in postmenopausal women.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reena Nayak, Jitu Halder, Tushar Kanti Rajwar, Deepak Pradhan, Vineet Kumar Rai, Debasmita Dubey, Biswakanth Kar, Goutam Ghosh, Goutam Rath
Summary: In this study, Metronidazole (MTZ)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MCSNP) were synthesized using phytic acid (PA) as a crosslinking agent to treat bacterial vaginosis. The optimized formulation showed enhanced efficacy against bacteria and could serve as a potential topical alternative for treating bacterial vaginosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Andile Mtshali, James Emmanuel San, Farzana Osman, Nigel Garrett, Christina Balle, Jennifer Giandhari, Harris Onywera, Khanyisile Mngomezulu, Gugulethu Mzobe, Tulio de Oliveira, Anne Rompalo, Adrian Mindel, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Jacques Ravel, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Heather B. Jaspan, Lenine J. P. Liebenberg, Sinaye Ngcapu
Summary: The study investigated the effects of oral metronidazole on South African women with BV, finding short-term BV clearance in some patients after treatment, but over half experienced recurrence within 12 weeks. Metronidazole treatment temporarily reduced BV-associated anaerobes and increased lactobacilli species, resulting in significantly altered mucosal immune environment, with decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in women who cleared BV post-treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Liza Ouarabi, Djamel Drider, Bernard Taminiau, Georges Daube, Farida Bendali, Anca Lucau-Danila
Summary: The study conducted a metagenomic analysis of the vaginal microbiota in Algerian women, revealing distinct patterns during reproductive and postreproductive phases. Hormone levels were found to correlate with changes in microbial composition in menopausal women. The study also identified a unique microbiota profile dominated by CST III and CST I in Algerian women, and a rapid qPCR method was developed for customized gynecological management based on this information.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marijn C. Verwijs, Stephen Agaba, Marie-Michele Umulisa, Janneke H. H. M. van de Wijgert
Summary: Frequent longitudinal vaginal sampling at home is feasible and acceptable to participants, even in the context of a low-resource setting, as long as adequate counselling is provided. Participants reported feeling very comfortable during self-sampling and mentioned reduced travel time and travel costs as advantages of self-sampling at home.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Floor Hugenholtz, Charlotte van der Veer, Matty L. Terpstra, Hanneke Borgdorff, Robin van Houdt, Sylvia Bruisten, Suzanne E. Geerlings, Janneke H. H. M. van de Wijgert
Summary: Postmenopausal women and renal transplant recipients are at increased risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, with differences in urine and vaginal microbiota composition compared to premenopausal women. The presence of specific bacteria and their abundance differs between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, highlighting the need for further research to understand the microbial factors contributing to UTI in these populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Jason McCartney, Thiago Felix Pinheiro, Jose Luis Gomez, Paula Galdino Cardin de Carvalho, Maria Amelia Veras, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: This study assessed the acceptability and suitability of screening STIs among transgender women in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The findings showed that most participants were willing to provide samples for screening, and they preferred self-collection of urine, urethral swabs, and anorectal swabs. Although some participants considered specimen collection by a health professional to be safer, they preferred self-collection to avoid discomfort and embarrassment.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruby Doryn Mcharo, Abisai Kisinda, Lilian Njovu, Miri Mcharo, Florida Mbwilo, Getrude Mihale, Beatrice Komba, Ernest Andrew, Philippe Mayaud, Arne Kroidl, Olena Ivanova, Sia Emmanueli Msuya
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated risk factors among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Mbeya, Tanzania. The study found that 17% of the students had at least one STI, with females having a higher prevalence than males. Chlamydia trachomatis and Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2 were the most common STIs. Risk factors for STIs included sex, inconsistent condom use, and sexual orientation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amanda Gabster, Eliana Socha, Juan Miguel Pascale, Gonzalo Cabezas Talavero, Alezander Castrellon, Yaremis Quiel, Cesar Gantes, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: Panama's HIV epidemic in the Comarca Ngabe-Bugle (CNB) among Indigenous peoples is growing rapidly and remains poorly controlled. This unique and isolated population faces individual, social, and structural barriers to ART adherence and retention, including limited access to medical care and ART shortages. Interventions to improve HIV care and prevention should focus on increasing social support, reducing discrimination, and addressing structural barriers such as travel costs and decentralization of services.
Article
Primary Health Care
Tamara N. Platteel, Marijn Beets, Hendrik A. Teeuwissen, Thijs ten Doesschate, Janneke H. H. M. van de Wijgert, Roderick P. Venekamp, Alma C. van de Pol
Summary: Nitrofurantoin is the recommended antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in males according to the Dutch primary care UTI guideline. However, its effectiveness may be compromised by undetected prostate involvement. This study aimed to compare the failure rate of nitrofurantoin with that of other antibiotics and assess GP adherence to the guideline.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Yumi Miyadahira, Maria de Lourdes Brizot, Neal Alexander, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Lea Campos de Oliveira da Silva, Mara Sandra Hoshida, Ana Maria da Silva Sousa Oliveira, Ana Claudia Silva Farche, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women at delivery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and investigate the risk factors. The results showed that pregnant women can serve as a suitable population for SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance. The study found a high seroprevalence among women at delivery in the early period of the pandemic, indicating their exposure to the virus.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lily Yang, Marie-Claude Boily, Minttu Ronn, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, Imran Morhason-Bello, Nicolas Meda, Olga Lompo, Philippe Mayaud, Michael Pickles, Marc Brisson, Caroline Hodgins, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
Summary: This study analyzed 52 population-based surveys and estimated cervical cancer screening coverage using a Bayesian modeling framework. The findings showed that overall screening coverage for cervical cancer is sub-optimal and has not improved much over the past 2 decades, except in Southern Africa. Action is needed to increase screening coverage in order to achieve elimination of cervical cancer.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Deborah Watson-Jones, John Changalucha, Hilary Whitworth, Ligia Pinto, Paul Mutani, Jackton Indangasi, Troy Kemp, Ramadhan Hashim, Beatrice Kamala, Rebecca Wiggins, Twaib Songoro, Nicholas Connor, Gladys Mbwanji, Miquel A. Pavon, Brett Lowe, Devis Mmbando, Saidi Kapiga, Philippe Mayaud, Silvia de SanJose, Joakim Dillner, Richard J. Hayes, Charles J. Lacey, Kathy Baisley
Summary: The global burden of cervical cancer is high, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Despite the existence of HPV vaccination, only 15% of girls in the target age group worldwide are fully vaccinated. This study in Tanzania found that a single dose of the 2-valent or 9-valent HPV vaccines could induce high seropositivity and maintain stable vaccine responses up to 24 months.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jack Stone, Katharine Jane Looker, Romain Silhol, Katherine Mary Elizabeth Turner, Richard Hayes, Jenny Coetzee, Stefan Baral, Sheree Schwartz, Philippe Mayaud, Sami Gottlieb, Marie-Claude Boily, Peter Vickerman
Summary: HSV-2 vaccination in South Africa can significantly reduce the prevalence of HSV-2 and HIV. A prophylactic vaccine with 80% efficacy can reduce HSV-2 incidence by 84.1% and HIV incidence by 65.4%. A therapeutic vaccine with 80% efficacy can reduce HSV-2 incidence by 29.6% and HIV incidence by 26.4%.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Levicatus Mugenyi, Christian H. H. Hansen, Philippe Mayaud, Janet Seeley, Robert Newton, Mastula Nanfuka, Andrew Abaasa, Kenneth Mugisha, Michael Etukoit, Pontiano Kaleebu, Eugene Ruzagira
Summary: We analyzed the effect of Universal Test and Treat (UTT) policy in Uganda on characteristics of people living with HIV (PLHIV) at enrolment in HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The UTT policy increased the proportion of male, younger and older PLHIV enrolling in care and initiating ART. It also reduced the time to ART initiation and increased the median CD4 count at ART initiation. Compared to the pre-UTT cohort, more PLHIV in the UTT cohort had higher CD4 counts and less advanced disease at ART initiation.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anne J. Huiberts, Brechje de Gier, Christina E. Hoeve, Hester E. de Melker, Susan J. M. Hahne, Gerco den Hartog, Diederick E. Grobbee, Janneke H. H. M. van de Wijgert, Susan van den Hof, Mirjam J. Knol
Summary: This study estimated the effectiveness of primary and booster vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Delta and Omicron BA.1/BA.2 periods. The results showed that vaccine protection decreased over time, but booster vaccinations provided additional protection, especially for individuals with medical risk conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sofya Panchenko, Philippe Mayaud, Sebastian Baranyi Nicholls, Carolina Lopez Gonzalez, Khatherine Michelle Ordaz, Madeline Baird, Amanda Gabster
Summary: This study collected personal accounts of sexual behaviors and sexual and reproductive health needs among migrant people in transit through Panama, revealing significant gaps in SRH care and high risks of sexual violence and exploitation. Providing antenatal care, rapid testing for HIV/STI, condom distribution, and care for victims of sexual violence would greatly improve the well-being of migrants.
FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Jason McCartney, Carla Gianna Luppi, Roberto Jose Carvalho Silva, Sandra de Araujo, Katia Cristina Bassichetto, Philippe Mayaud, Maria Amelia Veras
Summary: High prevalence of anorectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections was observed among transgender women in Brazil, with most infections being asymptomatic. Syndromic management is recommended for those presenting with anorectal symptoms.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Kana Yokoji, Katia Giguere, Talia Malagon, Minttu M. Ronn, Philippe Mayaud, Helen Kelly, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Melanie Drolet, Marc Brisson, Marie-Claude Boily, Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the protective effect of naturally acquired HPV antibodies against HPV reinfection. The study found that naturally acquired antibodies in females provide modest protection against HPV-16, but not in males or for HPV-18. The differential effect by baseline HIV status could not be determined due to limited studies available.
INFECTIOUS AGENTS AND CANCER
(2023)