Article
Infectious Diseases
Joana Castro, Lucia G. V. Sousa, Angela Franca, Lenka Podpera Tisakova, Lorenzo Corsini, Nuno Cerca
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection in reproductive-age women. This study investigated the role of an investigational engineered phage endolysin in eradicating biofilms associated with BV.
Article
Microbiology
Victoria Horrocks, Charlotte K. Hind, Matthew E. Wand, Paul-Enguerrand Fady, Joel Chan, Jade C. Hopkins, Georgina L. Houston, Rachel M. Tribe, J. Mark Sutton, A. James Mason
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and preterm delivery. This study investigates the metabolic diversity of BV-associated bacteria and lactobacilli, and the symbiotic relationships between them, to understand the mechanism and approach to risk prediction in BV and/or preterm birth.
Article
Microbiology
L. Ruffier d'Epenoux, E. Tessier, A. Guillouzouic, E. Fayoux, C. Bourigault, P. Bemer, S. Corvec
Summary: There is a possibility of introducing a new molecular test in the routine diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. This study proposes a combination of Nugent scoring and molecular testing for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, especially for cases with intermediate Nugent scores.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Michael L. Neugent, Ashwani Kumar, Neha V. Hulyalkar, Kevin C. Lutz, Vivian H. Nguyen, Jorge L. Fuentes, Cong Zhang, Amber Nguyen, Belle M. Sharon, Amy Kuprasertkul, Amanda P. Arute, Tahmineh Ebrahimzadeh, Nitya Natesan, Chao Xing, Vladimir Shulaev, Qiwei Li, Philippe E. Zimmern, Kelli L. Palmer, Nicole J. De Nisco
Summary: Postmenopausal women are greatly affected by recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). This study identifies changes in the urogenital microbiome composition and functions that are associated with rUTI susceptibility in postmenopausal women. It also reveals an enrichment of lactobacilli in postmenopausal women taking estrogen hormone therapy.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
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
Biochemical Research Methods
Christina Y. Y. Lee, Jenna Diegel, Michael T. T. France, Jacques Ravel, Kelly B. B. Arnold
Summary: This study uses quantitative models to identify microbial parameters that contribute to the stability of the vaginal microbiome and reveals important interactions between Lactobacillus spp. and non-optimal vaginal bacteria. The findings suggest new strategies for managing or preventing bacterial vaginosis.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
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
Pathology
Aurore Loquet, Remi Le Guern, Teddy Grandjean, Claire Duployez, Marvin Bauduin, Eric Kipnis, Gilles Brabant, Damien Subtil, Rodrigue Dessein
Summary: This study utilized high-throughput quantitative PCR to screen 34 microorganisms in asymptomatic pregnant women and identified a combination of A. vaginae, Gardnerella spp., L. crispatus, and P. bivia as the optimal bacteria combination for diagnosing BV, with a sensitivity of 77.1% and specificity of 97.0% compared to the Nugent score. The quantitative PCR method implemented in this study provides a reproducible and easily assessible way of identifying the absence of BV in pregnant women.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucia G. V. Sousa, Sofia A. Pereira, Nuno Cerca
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge and is often problematic in pregnant women. BV is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, leading to the overgrowth of bacteria that produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The treatment of BV with antibiotics is often associated with high recurrence rates. Various alternative strategies including probiotics, acidifying agents, antiseptics, and plant-based products are being studied to improve treatment success.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pragati Grover Sehgal, Rajneesh Dadwal, Bhawna Sharma, Amit Sehgal, Rashmi Bagga, Seema Chopra, Archana Angrup, Rakesh Yadav, Nandita Sharma, Sunil Sethi
Summary: The study found a high sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and odds ratio for the detection of co-infection of A. vaginae and G. vaginalis for the diagnosis of BV.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aliona S. Rosca, Joana Castro, Lucia G. Sousa, Angela Franca, Mario Vaneechoutte, Nuno Cerca
Summary: This study investigated the role of interactions between bacterial species in multi-species biofilms in bacterial vaginosis (BV) in relation to antimicrobial tolerance. The results showed that when these species were co-cultured, they could synergistically increase resistance to antibiotics.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
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
Immunology
Shakya P. Kurukulasuriya, Mo H. Patterson, Janet E. Hill
Summary: Cell wall proteins with sialidase activity play important roles in carbohydrate assimilation in the human vaginal microbiome, particularly in Gardnerella species. The gene encoding extracellular sialidase NanH3 is predominantly found in Gardnerella piotii and closely related species, and its presence is correlated with a sialidase-positive phenotype in a subset of Gardnerella isolates. Additionally, variations in the homopolymeric repeat sequence of the nanH3 gene may lead to phase variation, potentially impacting immune evasion and biofilm formation in bacterial vaginosis.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
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
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)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nuno Cerca
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andrew Medina-Marino, Susan Cleary, Christina A. Muzny, Christopher Taylor, Ashutosh Tamhane, Phuti Ngwepe, Charl Bezuidenhout, Shelley N. Facente, Koleka Mlisana, Remco P. H. Peters, Jeffrey D. Klausner
Summary: This study aims to identify optimal and cost-effective screening strategies to reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy and improve birth outcomes. The study will evaluate the impact of point-of-care diagnostic testing and treatment on birth outcomes, and calculate the cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies.
Review
Microbiology
Christina A. Muzny, Nuno Cerca, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Christopher M. Taylor, Jack D. Sobel, Barbara van der Pol
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age and is associated with various negative health outcomes, including increased risk of HIV and other STIs, as well as adverse birth outcomes. The exact cause of BV, a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, is still unknown. This mini-review provides an updated overview of the diagnostic tests used for BV in clinical and research settings, focusing on traditional and molecular diagnostics. It highlights the use of molecular diagnostic assays such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and FISH, as well as multiplex NAATs, in studying the vaginal microbiota and BV pathogenesis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
D. Araujo, J. Castro, F. Matos, R. Oliveira, C. Ramos, C. Almeida, S. Silva
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella spp. in clinically ill cats and dogs in veterinary clinics in the North of Portugal. The results showed that multidrug-resistant Klebsiella is widely disseminated in companion animals, and carries extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes. This highlights the potential role of dogs and cats as a reservoir of resistant Klebsiella spp. that have the potential to be transmitted to humans.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christina A. Muzny, Olivia T. Van Gerwen, Julia A. Schroeder, Emma Sophia Kay-Duncan, Krishmita Siwakoti, Kristal J. Aaron, Isaac C. Eastlund, Keonte J. Graves, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Ashutosh Tamhane, Dustin Long, Nicholas Van Wagoner, Evelyn Toh, Christopher M. Taylor
Summary: This prospective study aims to investigate changes in the vaginal microbiota over time in transgender men who initiate testosterone therapy. The study will also identify factors associated with bacterial vaginosis and will be disseminated through conferences and journals as well as shared with gender health clinics and community organizations.
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
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)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucia G. V. Sousa, Sofia A. Pereira, Nuno Cerca
Summary: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge and is often problematic in pregnant women. BV is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, leading to the overgrowth of bacteria that produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The treatment of BV with antibiotics is often associated with high recurrence rates. Various alternative strategies including probiotics, acidifying agents, antiseptics, and plant-based products are being studied to improve treatment success.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Keonte J. Graves, Colin Reily, Hemant K. Tiwari, Vinodh Srinivasasainagendra, William Evan Secor, Jan Novak, Christina A. Muzny
Summary: Through transcriptome analysis, we identified the mechanisms of resistance to 5-nitroimidazoles. RNA sequencing revealed 304 DEGs, with 134 upregulated genes and 170 downregulated genes.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Maria Margarida Barros, Joana Castro, Daniela Araujo, Ana Maria Campos, Ricardo Oliveira, Sonia Silva, Divanildo Outor-Monteiro, Carina Almeida
Summary: This review summarizes the epidemiological challenge of swine colibacillosis caused by Escherichia coli, highlighting the role of antibiotic use in animal practices in the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. It discusses the diversity, resistance, and virulence profiles of pathogenic ETEC strains and emphasizes their importance as zoonotic agents.
Article
Polymer Science
Mariana Tomas, Lucia G. V. Sousa, Ana Sofia Oliveira, Carolina P. P. Gomes, Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Carlos Cavaleiro, Ligia Salgueiro, Nuno Cerca, Jose Martinez-de-Oliveira, Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
Summary: We aimed to incorporate Thymbra capitata essential oil (TCEO), a potent antimicrobial natural product against BV-related bacteria, in a suitable drug delivery system. Vaginal sheets were used as the dosage form to provide immediate relief for BV symptoms. The vaginal sheets containing TCEO showed promising bioadhesive profiles, flexibility, and structure, and were able to significantly reduce bacterial load. Although toxicity was observed at certain concentrations, the short treatment period may limit or reverse this toxicity.
Article
Cell Biology
Evelyn Toh, Yue Xing, Xiang Gao, Stephen J. Jordan, Teresa A. Batteiger, Byron E. Batteiger, Barbara Van Der Pol, Christina A. Muzny, Netsanet Gebregziabher, James A. Williams, Lora J. Fortenberry, J. Dennis Fortenberry, Qunfeng Dong, David E. Nelson
Summary: The origin, composition, and significance of the distal male urethral microbiome are still unknown. However, vaginal microbiome dysbiosis is associated with new sex partners and urogynecological syndromes. This study found that sexual behavior strongly affects the composition of the urethral microbiome, suggesting that urogenital microbiology and sexual behavior are closely interconnected.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alice Ferreira, Daniela Silva, Carina Almeida, Maria Elisa Rodrigues, Sonia Silva, Joana Castro, Dalila Mil-Homens, Isidro Garcia-Menino, Azucena Mora, Mariana Henriques, Ana Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 (FJ1) in reducing the load of pathogenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and found that encapsulated FJ1 in microparticles significantly reduced the quantity of ETEC. Bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) displayed weaker adaptability in the pig model.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
