Article
Microbiology
Amir Arastehfar, Melika Laal Kargar, Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi, Maryam Roudbary, Nayereh Ghods, Ladan Haghighi, Farnaz Daneshnia, Mahin Tavakoli, Jalal Jafarzadeh, Mohammad Taghi Hedayati, Huiwei Wang, Wenjie Fang, Agostinho Carvalho, Macit Ilkit, David S. Perlin, Cornelia Lass-Floerl
Summary: RVVC is a common fungal infection that may be caused by dysbiosis and other factors. FLZR and FLZT phenotypes were found to contribute to fluconazole therapeutic failure, with Iran having a heavy burden of RVVC. Research on RVVC remains limited.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paul Vandecruys, Silke Baldewijns, Mart Sillen, Wouter Van Genechten, Patrick Van Dijck
Summary: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a widespread condition that significantly impacts women's quality of life. The traditional maintenance treatment using fluconazole has limitations due to azole resistance and high recurrence rates. However, the introduction of oteseconazole (VT-1161) as a novel antifungal therapy shows promise in effectively managing RVVC with low recurrence rates.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Paul Nyirjesy, Jane R. Schwebke, David A. Angulo, Itzel A. Harriott, Nkechi E. Azie, Jack D. Sobel
Summary: The study demonstrates that single-day ibrexafungerp treatment for acute vulvovaginal candidiasis is well tolerated and provides similar efficacy to single-dose fluconazole 150 mg.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Gabriela Correa Carvalho, Rafaela Aparecida Prata de Oliveira, Victor Hugo Sousa Araujo, Rafael Miguel Sabio, Lidia Raquel de Carvalho, Tais Maria Bauab, Ione Correa, Marlus Chorilli
Summary: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVV) is the second leading cause of vaginitis in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 18% in Brazil. Studies show higher prevalence in the South and Southeast regions compared to the North and Northeast regions, with no data available for the Midwest region. Further epidemiological studies are recommended to fully understand the disease profile in Brazil.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoqian Wang, Lihong Chen, Hongjie Ruan, Zhengai Xiong, Wenying Wang, Jin Qiu, Weihua Song, Chunlian Zhang, Fengxia Xue, Tianhua Qin, Bei Zhang, Ruifang An, Xiping Luo, Wei Wang, Songling Zhang, Yunlang Cai, Jiali Kang, Henan Deng, Shangrong Fan, Manhua Cui, Shijin Wang, Xiaowan Luo, Zhiying Su, Jing Shu, Quanren Wang, Fang Wang, Jianling Bai, Qinping Liao, Damian J. Krysan
Summary: Fluconazole remains the dominant treatment option for severe vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), but this study found that Oteseconazole demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful superiority in treating severe VVC with good tolerability.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Anugerah Yaumil Ramadhani Aziz, Ulfah Mahfufah, Nor Atikah Syahirah, Habibie, Rangga Meidianto Asri, Risfah Yulianty, Ria Fajarwati Kastian, Yessie Widya Sari, Lutfi Chabib, Hasyrul Hamzah, Andi Dian Permana
Summary: This study developed a combination approach of nanocrystals and dissolving microneedles for effective local vaginal delivery of fluconazole (FLZ). The formulation exhibited a small particle size and superior release performance, and showed better anti-candidiasis activity compared to other preparations in a vaginal model.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paulina Czechowicz, Damian Neubauer, Joanna Nowicka, Wojciech Kamysz, Grazyna Gosciniak
Summary: The study found that cyclic analogs of ultrashort cationic lipopeptides exhibited enhanced antifungal activity against vaginal candidiasis compared to their linear analogs. Additionally, a synergistic effect was observed when linear lipopeptides were combined with fluconazole, leading to decreased minimum inhibitory concentrations. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm the benefits of combination therapy using USCLs and fluconazole at low non-toxic concentrations.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Soledad Miro, Juan Pablo Caeiro, Emilse Rodriguez, Lara Vargas, Cecilia Vigezzi, Paula A. Icely, Graciela D. V. Castillo, Ana I. Azcurra, Claudio D. Abiega, Fernando O. Riera, Claudia E. Sotomayor
Summary: This study investigates the pathogenesis of VVC and RVVC, finding that BD1 expression is severely diminished in RVVC patients and that proteinase and lipase secreted by C. albicans are involved in this decrease.
Article
Microbiology
J. D. Sobel
Summary: A review of vaginal isolates of Candida albicans obtained from a university vaginitis referral clinic over a 10-year period revealed an increase in fluconazole resistance, which has been associated with treatment choice. Factors contributing to azole resistance in Candida albicans vaginal infection are discussed.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Emily McKloud, Christopher Delaney, Leighann Sherry, Ryan Kean, Shanice Williams, Rebecca Metcalfe, Rachael Thomas, Riina Richardson, Konstantinos Gerasimidis, Christopher J. Nile, Craig Williams, Gordon Ramage
Summary: This study identified changes in vaginal microbiome in RVVC, showing a reduction in Lactobacillus crispatus and an increase in Lactobacillus iners. The presence of Candida albicans biofilm formation and interactions with Lactobacillus species were also highlighted, suggesting potential mechanisms for RVVC and the importance of understanding these interactions for developing effective therapies.
Review
Microbiology
Jack D. Sobel, Paul Nyirjesy
Summary: RVVC presents significant burdens on women in terms of disease, financial impact, and quality of life, and currently lacks an approved treatment. Fluconazole is a widely accepted first-line treatment for RVVC, but has limitations such as resistance development and high recurrence rates. Oteseconazole, a novel treatment option, has shown impressive efficacy and a promising profile for superior RVVC management.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jian Miao, Jessica Regan, Chun Cai, Glen E. Palmer, David L. Williams, Michael D. Kruppa, Brian M. Peters
Summary: This study characterizes the glycogen metabolism pathways in Candida albicans and shows that glycogen metabolism is important for the long-term survival and virulence of the fungus.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Debora Thais Moreira Trajano, Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem, Juliana Possatto Fernandes Takahashi, Lucas Xavier Bonfietti, Miriam Rando de Araujo, Viviane Barbosa Correa, Karina Basseto de Oliveira Araujo, Viviani Barnabe, Carolina Goncalves Fernandes
Summary: The study reveals that fungi other than Candida albicans can cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which can guide the selection of appropriate treatment options. This is important for improving the quality of life of military women.
Article
Immunology
Gai Ge, Zhiya Yang, Dongmei Li, Ning Zhang, Biao Chen, Dongmei Shi
Summary: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are common gynecological infections caused by Candida species. Host immune responses, especially Th1/Th2 immunity, may play important roles in the prognosis of RVVC and VVC.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Senna J. J. M. van Riel, Celine M. J. G. Lardenoije, Guy J. Oudhuis, Niels A. J. Cremers
Summary: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a relapsing vaginal fungal infection caused by Candida species. Treatment options are limited, but medical-grade honey (MGH) may be a potential alternative treatment with protective, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Honey may modulate the vaginal microenvironment and immune system activity to potentially decrease the number of relapses.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Stephanno G. P. Sarmento, Antonio F. Moron, Larry J. Forney, Alan R. Hatanaka, Francisco H. C. Carvalho, Marcelo S. Franca, Tatiana K. Hamamoto, Rosiane Mattar, Iara M. Linhares, Evelyn Minis, Adriana Sanudo, Ester Sabino, Marilza V. C. Rudge, Steven S. Witkin
Summary: In this study, elevation of TIMP-1 and L-lactic acid levels in vaginal secretions, as well as dominance of L. iners in the vaginal microbiome, are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in primigravid women.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Christina Cordeiro Benevides de Magalhaes, Iara Moreno Linhares, Lais Farias Masullo, Renata Mirian Nunes Eleuterio, Steven S. Witkin, Jose Eleuterio Jr
Summary: Identification of women at elevated susceptibility to cervical abnormalities can be achieved by quantifying D- and L-lactic acid isomers in vaginal secretions, with elevated levels of L-lactic acid in women with HSIL and cervical cancer. This method could provide a low-cost alternative for individualized monitoring.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Severien Van Keer, Ardashel Latsuzbaia, Davy Vanden Broeck, Philippe De Sutter, Gilbert Donders, Jean Doyen, Wiebren A. A. Tjalma, Steven Weyers, Marc Arbyn, Alex Vorsters
Summary: This study reports on the analytical and clinical accuracy of high-risk HPV testing using urine samples. The results show that HPV testing in urine has similar sensitivity but slightly lower specificity compared to cervical samples for detecting cervical precancer.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Steven S. Witkin, Iara Moreno Linhares
Summary: The microbial composition of the human vagina differs from other mammals due to unique vaginal constituents and individual variations. Immune reactions, environmental factors, and personal history can greatly influence the composition of vaginal microbiota, resulting in a wide definition of a "normal" microbiota.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Anna S. Nishiya, Cesar de Almeida-Neto, Steven S. Witkin, Suzete C. Ferreira, Nanci A. Salles, Fatima A. H. Nogueira, Claudia Di Lorenzo Oliveira, Vanderson Rocha, Alfredo Mendrone Junior
Summary: This study determined the optimal cut-off value for a chemiluminescent immunoassay to identify HCV-reactive blood donors. By using a higher threshold, the accuracy of the screening test was improved, leading to better donor counselling and notification processes.
TRANSFUSION MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Gilbert Donders, Istvan Oszkar Sziller, Jorma Paavonen, Phillip Hay, Francesco de Seta, Jean Marc Bohbot, Jan Kotarski, Jordi Antoni Vives, Bela Szabo, Ramona Cepuliene, Werner Mendling
Summary: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) is a chronic and difficult to treat vaginal infection caused by Candida species. Fluconazole resistance and the rising prevalence of non-albicans Candida species pose challenges in treatment. Innovative strategies and research into new drugs and the impact of RVVC on patients' quality of life and sex life are needed.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gilbert Donders, Helena Kopp Kallner, Brian Hauck, Anja Bauerfeind, Ann-Kathrin Frenz, Michal Zvolanek, Dale W. Stovall
Summary: This study investigated bleeding profile satisfaction, pain, and ease of placement with the levonorgestrel 19.5 mg IUD. The results showed that most participants rated the pain of IUD placement as 'none' or 'mild', and most clinicians rated placement as 'easy'. Regardless of age or parity, most participants were satisfied with the bleeding profile, and IUD placement was associated with little to no pain for most women.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giel Vanreppelen, Jana Nysten, Silke Baldewijns, Mart Sillen, Gilbert Donders, Patrick Van Dijck
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gilbert G. G. Donders, Francesca H. W. V. Donders
Summary: Proper recognition and personalized therapy are crucial for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The assessment of VVA should include questionnaires, wet mount microscopy, and the determination of Vaginal Cell Maturation Index (VCMI) and infections. Low dose vaginal estriol is safe and efficient, making it the first choice hormonal treatment for women with contraindications for steroid hormones. New estrogens, androgens, and SERMs are being developed and tested, and alternative therapies such as intravaginal Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or Vit D may be suitable for women who cannot or do not want to use hormones. Proper diagnosis, including microscopy of vaginal fluid, is essential for effective treatment. Low dose vaginal estrogen treatment, especially with estriol, is preferred for most women. Oral ospemifene and vaginal dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are considered safe and efficient alternative therapies. More safety data are awaited for several SERMs and a newly introduced estrogen: estetrol (E4). The indications for laser treatments are questionable.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Jackie Sherrard, Janet Wilson, Gilbert Donders, Werner Mendling, Jorgen Skov Jensen
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STD & AIDS
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Ardashel Latsuzbaia, Davy Vanden Broeck, Severien Van Keer, Steven Weyers, Gilbert Donders, Jean Doyen, Wiebren Tjalma, Philippe De Sutter, Alex Vorsters, Marc Arbyn
Summary: The accuracy of Xpert HPV testing on vaginal self-samples was compared with clinician-collected samples. The study found that the sensitivity of Xpert HPV assay for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia ⠂2 was similar between self-samples and clinician-collected samples, but the specificity was slightly lower when using Qvintip for self-sampling.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eline Cauwenberghs, Eline Oerlemans, Stijn Wittouck, Camille Nina Allonsius, Thies Gehrmann, Sarah Ahannach, Ilke De Boeck, Irina Spacova, Peter A. Bron, Gilbert Donders, Veronique Verhoeven, Sarah Lebeer
Summary: This study examined the salivary microbiome of 255 healthy women of reproductive age and identified a preserved bacterial community of 12 genera. Contrary to expectations, the number of intimate partners or specific contraceptive use did not have a major impact on these bacterial communities. However, recent use of oral antibiotics was associated with decreased richness and increased relative abundances of certain taxa. Associations between host-related and lifestyle variables and the salivary microbiome appeared to be subtle, suggesting that the buccal environment and individual health status are the main driving factors.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christophe Depuydt, Eugene Bosmans, Jef Jonckheere, Francesca Donders, Willem Ombelet, Astrid Coppens, Gilbert Donders
Summary: This longitudinal observational cohort study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection has differential effects on sperm quality and fertility, including parameters such as motility, morphology, DNA damage, and anti-sperm antibodies. These effects may vary among individuals. However, most sperm parameters return to normal after infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kelly Aparecida Kanunfre, Mussya Cisotto Rocha, Maira Barreto Malta, Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza, Marcia Caldas Castro, Silvia Beatriz Boscardin, Higo Fernando Santos Souza, Steven S. Witkin, Marly Augusto Cardoso, Thelma Suely Okay
Summary: The prevalence of immunity to CHIKV was assessed in pregnant women and newborns in the Western Brazilian Amazon, revealing that there was already silent circulation of the virus in the area before the first outbreak of chikungunya fever. Surprisingly, a high proportion of both pregnant women and newborns had antibodies to CHIKV, particularly among low-income women.
REVISTA DO INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA TROPICAL DE SAO PAULO
(2022)