Dissimilarity in the occurrence of Bifidobacteriaceae in vaginal and perianal microbiota in women with bacterial vaginosis

Recent data point at the similarity between the perianal and vaginal microflora in terms of Lactobacillus species involved. Bacterial vaginosis, the most common perturbation of the vaginal microflora involving primarily overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, has also been suggested to involve a recto-vaginal pathway. We addressed this issue with regard to bacteria of the Bifidobacteriaceae family. In particular, we investigated the putative concordance of the presence of G. vaginalis and a series of Bifidobacteria between the perianal and vaginal microflora in 10 patients with bacterial vaginosis through multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of desquamated epithelial cells.G. vaginalis was found in a biofilm mode of growth at the perianal and vaginal sites. In most women at least one of the following species was detected perianally: Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breves, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium catenulatum. At the vaginal site, none of these Bifidobacteria was found.We conclude that bacterial vaginosis does not occur as a result of simple growth per continuum of perianal bacteria. Only some species originating from the intestinal tract do display pronounced vaginotropism, like G. vaginalis, whereas many other species do not.     

Use of a vaginal probiotic suppository and antibiotics to influence the composition of the endometrial microbiota

The aim of the present study was to determine the status of the endometrial microbiota in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and to assess treatment strategies for nondominant Lactobacillus (NLD) cases. A total of 392 patients with RIF were enrolled in this prospective cohort study (UMIN-CTR 000038582) and underwent endometrial microbiota analysis. Patients diagnosed with NLD were treated with a combination of oral and vaginal probiotics or oral prebiotics and antibiotics. The outcome was evaluated through re-analysis of the endometrial microbiota following treatment, and the results are presented as cure rates. NLD represented 44.9 % of the total endometrial microbiota in patients with RIF. The most commonly detected bacterium was Gardnerella vaginalis. The cure rates in the oral probiotics + oral prebiotics, antibiotics, oral probiotics + oral prebiotics + antibiotics, vaginal probiotic suppository, and vaginal probiotic suppository + antibiotics groups were 29.5, 33.33, 33.33, 43.6, and 78.6 %, respectively. Significant improvements were noted in the vaginal probiotic suppository + antibiotics group. Moreover, we revealed that approximately half of patients with RIF had NLD. Thus, the combination of a vaginal probiotic suppository and antibiotics may represent an effective treatment for NLD cases.     

细菌性阴道病与阴道微生物群相关性研究进展

细菌性阴道病(bacterial vaginosis,BV)是育龄妇女最常见的阴道感染性疾病之一,细菌性阴道病的发生受到年龄、生活习惯等多种因素的影响。然而,其具体发病机制仍未完全阐明,缺乏有效的治疗手段。近年来,多数研究认为细菌性阴道病的发生是由于阴道微生物群失调,乳杆菌减少,其他病原菌增多的结果。正常女性阴道微生物群可被分为5种状态类型,这些状态类型中微生物的紊乱是发生细菌性阴道病最直接的原因。本文通过与正常状态下阴道微生物组成的对比,综述了细菌性阴道病状态下阴道微生物群的不同变化及其影响因素的相关研究,并对以阴道微生物群作为靶标的细菌性阴道病治疗新方法和新进展进行了讨论与对比。     

健康妊娠妇女阴道乳酸杆菌及pH变化的研究

目的研究健康妊娠妇女阴道乳酸菌数量及pH的变化与妊娠时间的关系。方法选择20例健康非妊娠妇女,60例健康妊娠妇女(其中早期妊娠、中期妊娠及晚期妊娠各20例)阴道分泌物进行乳酸杆菌数量检测及pH测定,并对乳酸杆菌产生过氧化氢的情况进行检测。结果随着妊娠时间的增加,乳酸杆菌的数量明显增高,伴随阴道分泌物的pH逐渐降低。结论乳酸杆菌与健康妊娠妇女阴道的生物屏障和酸性环境的维持有重要关系。     

The probiotic properties and potential of vaginal Lactobacillus spp. isolated from healthy women against some vaginal pathogens

During the last decade, probiotic research has progressed considerably and significant advances have been made in the selection and characterization of specific probiotic strains. The most studied probiotics belong to the genus Lactobacillus. In this study, 80 Lactobacillus spp. isolated from healthy women tolerated low pH and were able to grow in the presence of bile salts. RAPD PCR technique resulted in the identification of 38 different types. These isolates were then evaluated based on adhesion capacity, antibiotic susceptibility and tolerance in simulated gastrointestinal tract. Species-specific PCR and detection of bacteriocin-related genes were also surveyed. Among the isolates, five strains—Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus NO21, Lacticaseibacillus casei NO1, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NO4, Lactobacillus acidophilus NO7 and Lactobacillus gasseri NO38—presented acceptable antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Further analysis showed antimicrobial activity of Lacticaseibacillus culture against various bacterial pathogens and real-time PCR showed all five strains were able to prevent the colonization of bacterial pathogens. All five selected strains produced organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and were resistant to the spermicide. In addition, they lacked haemolytic activity with the ability of hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation and co-aggregation with pathogens. These results suggest that the vaginal microbiome could be a good source for the isolation of probiotics and the strains of this study may be considered as good probiotic candidates.     

基于实时定量PCR技术的育龄期细菌性阴道病患者阴道菌群结构分析及其临床应用

目的 探讨育龄期女性细菌性阴道病（bacterial vaginosis,BV）患者阴道优势菌群变化及其与临床指标的相关性。方法 选择本院门诊确诊的育龄期BV患者35例和同期入院体检的健康体检女性37例,无菌拭子采集阴道中段壁分泌物,提取细菌基因组DNA,采用实时定量PCR技术（real-time quantitative PCR,qPCR）进行阴道优势细菌检测,并进行其与临床指标如阴道pH和Nugent评分相关性分析。结果 乳杆菌属细菌及其种水平的细菌如惰性乳杆菌、卷曲乳杆菌、詹氏乳杆菌等在BV患者中均显著下降,BV相关阴道致病细菌如加德纳菌属、奇异菌属、埃格特菌属、巨型球菌I型菌属、纤毛菌属和普氏菌属显著升高（P<0.05）。阴道致病菌群与阴道pH和Nugent评分呈显著正相关,而阴道卷曲乳杆菌和惰性乳杆菌与其呈负相关。结论 育龄期BV患者阴道优势菌群显著失衡,并与阴道pH和Nugent评分显著相关,提示阴道优势菌群改变参与BV发生发展。     

Efficacy of oral metronidazole with vaginal clindamycin or vaginal probiotic for bacterial vaginosis: randomised placebo-controlled double-blind trial

Background

To determine if oral metronidazole (MTZ-400mg bid) with 2% vaginal clindamycin-cream (Clind) or a Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal-probiotic containing oestriol (Prob) reduces 6-month bacterial vaginosis (BV) recurrence.

Methods

Double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group single-site study with balanced randomization (1∶1∶1) conducted at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia. Participants with symptomatic BV [Nugent Score (NS) = 7–10 or ≥3 Amsel''s criteria and NS = 4–10], were randomly allocated to MTZ-Clind, MTZ-Prob or MTZ-Placebo and assessed at 1,2,3 and 6 months. MTZ and Clind were administered for 7 days and Prob and Placebo for 12 days. Primary outcome was BV recurrence (NS of 7–10) on self-collected vaginal-swabs over 6-months. Cumulative BV recurrence rates were compared between groups by Chi-squared statistics. Kaplan-Meier, log rank and Cox regression analyses were used to compare time until and risk of BV recurrence between groups.

Results

450 18–50 year old females were randomized and 408 (91%), equally distributed between groups, provided ≥1 NS post-randomization and were included in analyses; 42 (9%) participants with no post-randomization data were excluded. Six-month retention rates were 78% (n = 351). One-month BV recurrence (NS 7–10) rates were 3.6% (5/140), 6.8% (9/133) and 9.6% (13/135) in the MTZ-Clind, MTZ-Prob and MTZ-Placebo groups respectively, p = 0.13. Hazard ratios (HR) for BV recurrence at one-month, adjusted for adherence to vaginal therapy, were 0.43 (95%CI 0.15–1.22) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.32–1.76) in the MTZ-Clind and MTZ-Prob groups compared to MTZ-Plac respectively. Cumulative 6-month BV recurrence was 28.2%; (95%CI 24.0–32.7%) with no difference between groups, p = 0.82; HRs for 6-month BV recurrence for MTZ-Clind and MTZ-Prob compared to MTZ-Plac, adjusted for adherence to vaginal therapy were 1.09(95% CI = 0.70–1.70) and 1.03(95% CI = 0.65–1.63), respectively. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Combining the recommended first line therapies of oral metronidazole and vaginal clindamycin, or oral metronidazole with an extended-course of a commercially available vaginal-L.acidophilus probiotic, does not reduce BV recurrence.

Trial Registration

ANZCTR.org.au ACTRN12607000350426     

The complex vaginal flora of West African women with bacterial vaginosis

Background

The spectrum of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) has recently expanded through taxonomic changes and the use of molecular methods. These methods have yet to be used in large-scale epidemiological studies in Africa where BV is highly prevalent.

Methods

An analysis of samples obtained during a clinical trial of the management of vaginal discharge in four West African countries. Samples were available from 1555 participants; 843 (54%) had BV. Nucleic acids of 13 bacterial genera or species potentially associated with BV were detected through the polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The associations between various components of the vaginal flora were complex. Excluding Lactobacillus, the other 12 micro-organisms were all associated with each other at the p≤0.001 level. The prevalence of various bacterial genera or species varied according to age, sexual activity and HIV status. In multivariate analysis, the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, Bifidobacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii, Dialister, Mycoplasma hominis, Leptotrichia, and Prevotella were independently associated with BV as was the absence of Lactobacillus and Peptoniphilus. However, Mobiluncus, Atopobium vaginae, Anaerococcus, and Eggerthella were not independently associated with BV. Unexpectedly, after treatment with a regimen that included either metronidazole or tinidazole, the proportion of patients with a complete resolution of symptoms by day 14 increased with the number of bacterial genera or species present at enrolment.

Conclusions

Numerous bacterial genera or species were strongly associated with each other in a pattern that suggested a symbiotic relationship. BV cases with a simpler flora were less likely to respond to treatment. Overall, the vaginal flora of West African women with BV was reminiscent of that of their counterparts in industrialized countries.     

Selecting, testing and understanding probiotic microorganisms

The interest in probiotics and the modulation of microbiota for restoring and maintaining health continues to gain momentum. Research is fueled by a need to develop alternatives to antibiotics and drugs that have severe side effects. It is recognised that bacteria play a major role in human and animal health, and how scientific advances help to explain how and when probiotics work. This minireview provides an update on critical studies, particularly since 2002, that are helping to explain the mechanisms of action of probiotic organisms.     

阴道菌群与子宫脱垂的相关性研究

研究阴道菌群与子宫脱垂的相关性,为该类患者的治疗提供参考。

选取杭州市妇产科医院门诊或体检中心募集的30例子宫脱垂患者（研究组）和30例健康人群（对照组）。利用细菌16S rDNA扩增技术分析两组对象阴道菌群的组成特点,并利用 LEfSe 及 LDA 分析具有显著差异的菌群。

在属水平上,绝经前人群阴道Oribacterium、Xanthomonadaceae_unclassified在研究组的相对丰度大于对照组（均P＜0.05）;绝经后人群阴道Finegoldia、Paracnuella、Clostridium_XVIII在研究组的相对丰度大于对照组,Alterileibacterium、Ileibacterium、Microbacteriaceae_unclassified在研究组的相对丰度小于对照组（均P＜0.05）。两组对象阴道菌群丰度指数（Sobs、Chao、Ace）及多样性指数（Shannon、Simpson、InvSimpson）差异无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）。研究组中绝经前人群阴道菌群Sobs、Chao、Shannon、Invsimpson指数小于绝经后人群,Simpson指数大于绝经后人群（均P＜0.05）。绝经后人群中,研究组对象Finegoldia丰度较高,对照组对象Sneathia丰度较高。绝经前人群中,研究组对象Fastidiosipila丰度较高,对照组对象Parvimonas丰度较高。ROC曲线提示,Anaerococcus和Sneathia的组合有助于预测子宫脱垂的发生。绝经后,研究组对象脂质代谢显著下降,而蛋白酶体代谢通路功能显著上升。

阴道菌群与子宫脱垂具有相关性。蛋白酶体代谢通路可能通过下调雌激素及受体水平参与了子宫脱垂的发生。

     

The influence of the immunostimulation by bacterial cell components derived from altered large intestinal microbiota on probiotic anti-inflammatory benefits

Using murine macrophage-like J774.1 cells and fecal precipitates prepared from the feces of elderly volunteers whose acute inflammation had been inhibited by LKM512 yogurt consumption, we investigated the likelihood that immunostimulation by altered intestinal bacterial cell components contribute to the anti-inflammatory benefits of this yogurt. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha production due to stimulation by fecal precipitates obtained during LKM512 yogurt consumption tended to be higher than due to stimulation by precipitates obtained from preconsumption (P=0.0827), although acute phase response was suppressed by LKM512 yogurt consumption. We suggest that the anti-inflammatory benefits of LKM512 yogurt on elderly volunteers are independent of direct immunostimulation by the bacterial cell components derived from altered intestinal microbiota.     

子痫前期患者肠道微生物特征及益生菌调节

子痫前期(preeclampsia,PE)是妊娠期高血压疾病(hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,HDP)之一,严重损害母婴健康,影响3%～5%的妊娠。随高通量测序技术的发展和普及,肠道微生物与人类健康和疾病的关系逐渐清晰。PE患者肠道微生物群结构变化与疾病的发生发展密切相关,失调的肠道菌群很可能会成为PE早期诊断的生物标志物或干预的靶点。本文总结了以测序技术为基础获得的正常妊娠女性和PE患者肠道微生物分布规律数据,并提出益生菌调理建议,以期为PE的科学预测、精准干预提供理论支持。     

细菌性阴道病与外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病患者治疗前后阴道乳杆菌功能变化

探讨细菌性阴道病(BV)与外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病(VVC)患者阴道乳杆菌的功能状态及治疗后阴道乳杆菌的重建情况, 为BV与VVC的乳杆菌补充治疗提供依据。

选取BV与VVC患者及正常对照组女性各30例, 采用前后对照、标准对照的方法, 通过检测患者治疗前后阴道乳杆菌功能(定植密度、乳杆菌分级、产酸能力、产H₂O₂能力、体外增殖能力)研究该阴道炎症状态下阴道乳杆菌功能的变化和重建情况。

BV患者阴道乳杆菌定植密度为(5.87±1.83)个/HP, 阴道乳杆菌分级正常比例仅为6.67%, H₂O₂阳性率53.33%, 24 h pH值为5.45, 24 h菌液浊度为23.7 MCF。BV患者治愈后阴道乳杆菌定植密度为(45.28±15.05)个/HP, 乳杆菌分级正常比例为54.55%, H₂O₂阳性率81.82%, 24 h pH值为4.49, 24 h菌液浊度为46.6 MCF。VVC患者阴道乳杆菌定植密度为(48.53±10.59)个/HP, 乳杆菌分级正常比例为73.33%, H₂O₂阳性率为80.00%, 24 h pH值为4.41, 24 h菌液浊度为52.2 MCF。VVC患者治愈后阴道乳杆菌定植密度为(47.95±10.28)个/HP, 乳杆菌分级正常比例为90.48%, H₂O₂阳性率85.71%, 24 h pH值为4.33, 24 h菌液浊度为51.3 MCF。

BV患者阴道乳杆菌功能减退, 治愈后未能完全重建, 需帮助恢复阴道乳杆菌功能状态。VVC患者阴道乳杆菌功能基本正常。

     

Towards understanding molecular modes of probiotic action

The possibility that certain microorganisms might be beneficial to human health is highlighted by the numerous consumer products containing probiotic bacteria. Probiotics are typically administered in food that, following entry into the gastro-intestinal tract, results in measurable health-promoting effects. Although there is a growing list of health benefits provided by the consumption of probiotics, their precise mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Recent molecular- and genomics-based studies are starting to provide insight into the ways probiotic bacteria sense and adapt to the gastro-intestinal tract environment. Complementary approaches using host cell in vitro systems together with animal models and human volunteers are revealing specific intestinal cell responses to probiotics. These studies should ultimately disclose the molecular mechanisms and pinpoint the bacterial and host effector molecules and pathways by which probiotics are able to modulate human health.     

650例疑似细菌性阴道病BV患者阴道分泌物检测分析

目的探讨生化检测法在细菌性阴道病（BV）诊断中的应用价值。方法对绍兴市人民医院妇科门诊650例阴道分泌物进行常规及生化检测。结果在650例疑似细菌性阴道病患者中,以“唾液酸苷酶阳性＋过氧化氢阳性”为诊断标准,共检出BV患者483例（占总数的74．31％）;使用Amsel法检出细菌性阴道病患者481例（占总数的74％）。使用生化检测法和Amsel法检出细菌性阴道病的阳性率差异无统计学意义（x2=0．53,P〉O．05）,二者的符合率为94．15％（612／650）,具有很高的一致性。结论生化检测准确、快速,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Characterization of vaginal lactobacilli in women after kidney transplantation

Limited number of publications described vaginal microflora after kidney transplantation. Our PubMed search revealed only 18 publications including words “vaginal bacteria &; kidney transplant” in the period of 1978–2011. The aim of this study was to characterize lactobacilli isolated from vaginal swabs of women after kidney transplantation, compared with healthy women. Eighteen renal transplant recipients (mean age 36.1) and 20 healthy women (mean age 36.0) were evaluated. Lactobacilli were cultured on MRS and Columbia blood agars. Biochemical identification with API 50 CHL (bioMerieux, Marcy L’Etoile, France) and multiplex PCR according to Song et al. was performed. Lactobacilli were tested for production of H₂O₂. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of selected antimicrobial agents were determined with E-tests (bioMerieux, Marcy L’Etoile, France) and interpreted with CLSI and EUCAST criteria. No bacterial vaginosis was found among studied women. Two strains of group I were identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii; 18 strains as Lactobacillus gasseri and 15 strains as Lactobacillus crispatus. Only 3 strains from group II were not identified by species-specific mPCR. Group IV was represented with 2 unidentified strains. Vaginal lactobacilli isolated from healthy women represented more homogenous group compared with heterogenous renal transplant recipients. Biochemical identification of lactobacilli by API 50 CHL kits was concordant with mPCR results only in 7 cases (17.5%), all 7 strains were identified as L. crispatus. Majority (93%) of lactobacilli were H₂O₂ producers. All isolated lactobacilli (100%) demonstrated high resistance to metronidazole (MIC > 256 μg/ml). Only 2 strains resistant to vancomycin (MICs: 32 and 256 μg/ml respectively), in the study and control group, and one to moxifloxacin (MIC = 32 μg/ml), were found. Resistance to metronidazole and vancomycin was concordant in CLSI and EUCAST (2010) criteria. Although significant differences between lactobacilli isolated from vaginas of kidney transplant and healthy women were not demonstrated, we demonstrated strains resistant to metronidazole, vancomycin and moxifloxacin in groups of examined women. Our study was performed on a small group of kidney transplant recipients and further more detailed molecular studies on a larger group of patients are required to confirm our results.     

Toward understanding microbiota homeostasis in the plant kingdom

A diverse community of microorganisms inhabits various parts of a plant. Recent findings indicate that perturbations to the normal microbiota can be associated with positive and negative effects on plant health. In this review, we discuss these findings in the context of understanding how microbiota homeostasis is regulated in plants for promoting health and/or for preventing dysbiosis.     

Clinical study comparing probiotic Lactobacillus GR-1 and RC-14 with metronidazole vaginal gel to treat symptomatic bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is particularly common in black women, and in Nigeria it is often caused by Mycoplasma, as well as Atopobium, Prevotella and Gardnerella sp. Antimicrobial metronidazole oral therapy is poorly effective in eradicating the condition and restoring the Lactobacillus microbiota in the vagina. In this study, 40 women diagnosed with BV by discharge, fishy odor, sialidase positive test and Nugent Gram stain scoring, were randomized to receive either two dried capsules containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 each night for 5 days, or 0.75% metronidazole gel, applied vaginally twice a day (in the morning and evening). Follow-up at day 6, 15 and 30 showed cure of BV in significantly more probiotic treated subjects (16, 17 and 18/20, respectively) compared to metronidazole treatment (9, 9 and 11/20: P=0.016 at day 6, P=0.002 at day 15 and P=0.056 at day 30). This is the first report of an effective (90%) cure of BV using probiotic lactobacilli. Given the correlation between BV and HIV, and the high risk of the latter in Nigeria, intravaginal use of lactobacilli could provide women with a self-use therapy, similar to over-the-counter anti-yeast medication, for treatment of urogenital infections.     

The impact of bacteriophages on probiotic bacteria and gut microbiota diversity

The human body is colonized by a vast array of bacteria whose diversity is largely affected by predation of bacteriophages. Here, we discussed the impact of bacteriophages on the composition of human intestinal microbiota as well as on the survival and thus efficacy of probiotic bacteria in the human gut.