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
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)
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
Microbiology
Yunxia Li, Wei Zhu, Yan Jiang, Duncan James Lessing, Weihua Chu
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a disease caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. This study suggests using synthetic bacterial consortia transplantation (SBCT) as a potential treatment for BV induced by Gardnerella vaginalis. The results showed that SBCT reduced tissue damage, restored the vaginal microbiota, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and suppressed inflammation-related gene expression. However, vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) was more effective in suppressing G. vaginalis-induced inflammation. Overall, synthetic bacterial consortia have the potential to be used as a biotherapeutic agent for the treatment of G. vaginalis-induced BV.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Erica M. Lokken, Lisa E. Manhart, John Kinuthia, James P. Hughes, Clayton Jisuvei, Khamis Mwinyikai, Charles H. Muller, Kishor Mandaliya, Walter Jaoko, R. Scott McClelland
Summary: This study suggests that women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) may have reduced fecundability, with a more significant reduction observed in women with persistent BV. The research also highlights the potential for intervention targets through studying the vaginal microbiota.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ta-Chin Lin, I-Ling Hsu, Wan-Hua Tsai, Yi-Chih Chu, Lung-Ching Kuan, Min-Syuan Huang, Wen-Ling Yeh, Ya-Hui Chen, Shan-Ju Hsu, Wen-Wei Chang
Summary: The study found that VGA-1, a potential agent for bacterial vaginosis (BV) intervention, showed improvement effects in BV patients and reduced recurrent rates. Among the two lactobacillus formulas tested, VGA-1 demonstrated superior efficacy in improving symptoms and reducing recurrent rates in BV patients.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
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
Immunology
Carolina Sanita Tafner Ferreira, Camila Marconi, Cristina M. G. L. Parada, Jacques Ravel, Marcia Guimaraes da Silva
Summary: Sialidase activity in cervicovaginal fluid is associated with changes in bacterial composition, potentially leading to diminished local defenses against pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lenka A. Vodstrcil, Christina A. Muzny, Erica L. Plummer, Jack D. Sobel, Catriona S. Bradshaw
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal dysbiosis affecting women globally, with a high proportion experiencing recurrence within 6 months of antibiotic treatment. Possible reasons for recurrence include persistence of BV-associated bacteria, re-emergence, and reinfection from sexual partners. The exchange of bacteria between partners during sexual activity may play a key role in recurrence.
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
Microbiology
Wei Wei, Jia Li, Xin Shen, Jinglu Lyu, Caixia Yan, Boyu Tang, Wenjuan Ma, Huixu Xie, Lei Zhao, Lei Cheng, Ye Deng, Yan Li
Summary: Periodontitis promotes the development of OSCC by altering the oral bacterial community and tumor immune microenvironment.
Article
Immunology
Ana P. Ortiz, Kimil T. Acosta-Pagan, Carla Oramas-Sepulveda, Maira A. Castaneda-Avila, Brayan Vilanova-Cuevas, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Jose A. Vivaldi, Josue Perez-Santiago, Cynthia M. Perez, Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
Summary: This study evaluated the association between oral microbiota and periodontitis severity in high-risk Hispanics. The results showed that dysbiosis occurs as periodontal disease progresses, and both alcohol consumption and smoking habits pose risk factors for oral dysbiosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Natalia S. Rozas, Gena D. Tribble, Cameron B. Jeter
Summary: This study found significant differences in the oral microbiota of patients with PD compared to healthy controls, possibly due to factors such as dysphagia, drooling, and salivary pH. Understanding the factors influencing their oral microbiota could lead to the development of diagnostic and treatment strategies to improve the quality of life and survival of these patients.
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
Health Policy & Services
Emily P. Hyle, Emily B. Martey, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ai Xu, Robert A. Parker, Rochelle P. Walensky, Keren Middelkoop
Summary: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing in South Africa due to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and obesity. This study examined the habits and knowledge of diet, exercise, and obesity among people living with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town. The findings revealed low nutritional diversity in self-reported diets, limited exercise engagement, and limited understanding of the impact of obesity on health.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amanda P. Miller, Steven Shoptaw, Rufaro Mvududu, Nyiko Mashele, Thomas J. Coates, Linda-Gail Bekker, Zaynab Essack, Candice Groenewald, Zaino Petersen, Pamina M. Gorbach, Landon Myer, Dvora L. Joseph Davey
Summary: This study examines the association between alcohol use and HIV sexual risk among HIV-uninfected pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa. Alcohol use was measured using a modified version of AUDIT, and HIV sexual risk was measured through a composite variable of four risk factors. The results showed that alcohol use before pregnancy was associated with increased odds of being at high risk of HIV, highlighting the need for interventions to address alcohol use and HIV sexual risk behaviors during pregnancy in this population.
Article
Sport Sciences
Shirley Collie, Robin Terence Saggers, Rossella Bandini, Lizelle Steenkamp, Jared Champion, Glenda Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ameena Goga, Nigel Garrett, Jon Patricios
Summary: Regular physical activity is associated with improved vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization, with higher levels of physical activity associated with greater vaccine effectiveness.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Adijat O. Jimoh, Christina Balle, Bryan Brown, Colin Feng, Enock Havyarimana, Iyaloo N. Konstantinus, Katherine Gill, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Heather B. Jaspan, Arvind Varsani, Anna-Ursula Happel
Summary: Apart from papillomaviruses, there is a lack of whole-genome sequences for bacteriophages and eukaryote-infecting viruses isolated from the female genital tract. In this study, we identified the genome sequences of 16 microviruses, 3 anelloviruses, 2 polyomaviruses, 1 genomovirus, and 1 caudovirus in vaginal secretion samples from adolescents in South Africa.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geetha Beauchamp, Sybil Hosek, Deborah J. Donnell, Kwun C. G. Chan, Brian P. Flaherty, Peter L. Anderson, Bonnie J. Dye, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Connie Celum
Summary: This study developed an HIV prevention readiness measure to identify African adolescent girls and young women who are motivated to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and in need of adherence support. The measure showed good reliability and validity in assessing medication adherence and prevention readiness. These findings are important for the development and implementation of PrEP adherence support programs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jared M. Baeten, Chuwen Li, Deborah Donnell, Yaw Agyei, Denni Lennon, Scott M. Rose, Marcia Mokgatle, Sheetal Kassim, Shorai Mukaka, Adeola Adeyeye, Connie Celum
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young African women seeking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The findings showed that despite PrEP usage, 55% of the participants had at least one STI detected. Therefore, alternative approaches for diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the burden of STIs in this population.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Anna-Ursula Happel, Christina Balle, Enock Havyarimana, Bryan Brown, Brandon S. Maust, Colin Feng, Byung H. Yi, Katherine Gill, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Heather B. Jaspan, Arvind Varsani
Summary: The study assessed the interaction between cervicovaginal virome, bacteriome and genital inflammation. It found various DNA viruses in the vaginal virome, including human papillomavirus (HPV), with HPV-35 being the most prevalent high-risk genotype. The presence of certain bacterial taxa correlated with HPV infection, while bacterial vaginosis was associated with increased genital inflammation. This study provides a foundation for future research on the vaginal virome and its impact on women's health.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Geetha Beauchamp, Deborah Donnell, Sybil Hosek, Peter L. Anderson, Kwun C. G. Chan, Bonnie J. Dye, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Connie Celum
Summary: Trust is crucial in patient-provider communication. Accurate reporting of PrEP adherence is important, especially for adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected by HIV. Educating and training providers to build trust with these individuals may lead to more accurate reporting of PrEP adherence.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Remco P. H. Peters, James A. Mcintyre, Nigel Garrett, Adrian J. Brink, Connie L. Celum, Linda -Gail Bekker
Summary: South Africa has a high burden of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Recent studies have shown that doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in reducing the rates of bacterial STIs in MSM. However, its effectiveness was not demonstrated among cisgender women in Kenya. Concerns remain about the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on other pathogens, commensals, and the microbiome. More research is needed to understand the potential impact of doxycycline PEP on AMR at individual and population levels. In conclusion, offering doxycycline PEP to high-risk MSM on a case-by-case basis, under the supervision of experienced sexual health clinicians in settings with access to diagnostic STI testing and ongoing AMR surveillance, seems reasonable.
SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HIV MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jaco Horak, Willem D. F. Venter, Camilla Wattrus, Nectarios Papavarnavas, Pauline Howell, Gillian Sorour, Carole Wallis, Katherine Gill, Francesca Conradie, Linda-Gail Bekker
SOUTHERN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HIV MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lindsey de Vos, Emily Krogstad Mudzingwa, Lauren Fynn, Millicent Atujuna, Matinatsa Mugore, Monica Gandhi, Connie Celum, Sybil Hosek, Linda-Gail Bekker, Joseph Daniels, Andrew Medina-Marino
Summary: This study aimed to understand the factors that influence the prolonged breaks and decision-making regarding the use of PrEP among adolescent girls and young women. The findings showed that external factors and social conflicts directly impacted the breaks in PrEP usage, while perceptions of HIV risk and social support played a role in the decisions to re-initiate or discontinue PrEP use.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2023)
Correction
Medicine, General & Internal
Linda-Gail Bekker, Chris Beyrer, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Sharon R. Lewin, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Babafemi Taiwo, Mary Clare Masters, Jeffrey V. Lazarus
NATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Linda-Gail Bekker, Chris Beyrer, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Sharon R. Lewin, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Babafemi Taiwo, Mary Clare Masters, Jeffrey V. Lazarus
Summary: The global HIV/AIDS epidemic has caused millions of deaths over the past 40 years. HIV-1, transmitted through body fluids, invades host cells and replicates, leading to immune deficiency and potentially death. The development of rapid diagnostics and antiretroviral therapy significantly reduced mortality rates, but long-term viral suppressive therapy is required. Efforts are being made to improve the quality of life of patients and develop therapeutic vaccines, immunotherapies, and a cure.
NATURE REVIEWS DISEASE PRIMERS
(2023)