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A Review on Microbial Species for Forensic Body Fluid Identification in Healthy and Diseased Humans.Current Microbiology Jul 2023Microbial communities present in body fluids can assist in distinguishing between types of body fluids. Metagenomic studies have reported bacterial genera which are core... (Review)
Review
Microbial communities present in body fluids can assist in distinguishing between types of body fluids. Metagenomic studies have reported bacterial genera which are core to specific body fluids and are greatly influenced by geographical location and ethnicity. Bacteria in body fluids could also be due to bacterial infection; hence, it would be worthwhile taking into consideration bacterial species associated with diseases. The present review reports bacterial species characteristic of diseased and healthy body fluids across geographical locations, and bacteria described in forensic studies, with the aim of collating a set of bacteria to serve as the core species-specific markers for forensic body fluid identification. The most widely reported saliva-specific bacterial species are Streptococcus salivarius, Prevotella melaninogenica, Neisseria flavescens, with Fusobacterium nucleatum associated with increased diseased state. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners are frequently dominant in the vaginal microbiome of healthy women. Atopobium vaginae, Prevotella bivia, and Gardnerella vaginalis are more prevalent in women with bacterial vaginosis. Semen and urine-specific bacteria at species level have not been reported, and menstrual blood bacteria are indistinguishable from vaginal fluid. Targeting more than one bacterial species is recommended for accurate body fluid identification. Although metagenomic sequencing provides information of a broad microbial profile, the specific bacterial species could be used to design biosensors for rapid body fluid identification. Validation of microbial typing methods and its application in identifying body fluids in a mixed sample would allow regular use of microbial profiling in a forensic workflow.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Vagina; Body Fluids; Gardnerella vaginalis; Saliva; Bacteria
PubMed: 37491404
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03413-x -
Viruses Nov 2021The interaction between gut bacterial and viral microbiota is thought to be important in human health. While fluctuations in female genital tract (FGT) bacterial...
The interaction between gut bacterial and viral microbiota is thought to be important in human health. While fluctuations in female genital tract (FGT) bacterial microbiota similarly determine sexual health, little is known about the presence, persistence, and function of vaginal bacteriophages. We conducted shotgun metagenome sequencing of cervicovaginal samples from South African adolescents collected longitudinally, who received no antibiotics. We annotated viral reads and circular bacteriophages, identified CRISPR loci and putative prophages, and assessed their diversity, persistence, and associations with bacterial microbiota composition. was the most prevalent bacteriophage family, followed by , , , and . Full-length siphoviruses targeting bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria were identified, suggesting their presence in vivo. CRISPR loci and prophage-like elements were common, and genomic analysis suggested higher diversity among than prophages. We found that some prophages were highly persistent within participants, and identical prophages were present in cervicovaginal secretions of multiple participants, suggesting that prophages, and thus bacterial strains, are shared between adolescents. The number of CRISPR loci and prophages were associated with vaginal microbiota stability and absence of BV. Our analysis suggests that (pro)phages are common in the FGT and vaginal bacteria and (pro)phages may interact.
Topics: Adolescent; Bacteriophages; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Metagenome; Microbiota; South Africa; Vagina
PubMed: 34960611
DOI: 10.3390/v13122341 -
Investigative and Clinical Urology May 2021The expression of epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rat vagina was recently reported. The aims were to investigate the effects of estrogen on vaginal EPCs in the...
PURPOSE
The expression of epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rat vagina was recently reported. The aims were to investigate the effects of estrogen on vaginal EPCs in the oophorectomized female rat model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Female Sprague-Dawley rats (230-240 g, n=30) were divided into 3 groups: control (n=10), bilateral oophorectomy (OVX, n=10), and bilateral OVX followed by subcutaneous injections of 17β-estradiol (50 μg/kg/day, n=10). After 4 weeks, the expression of EPC-specific markers (CD44, estrogen receptor alpha [ERα], and progesterone receptor) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.
RESULTS
The CD44/ERα double-labeled cells were mainly expressed in basal cell layers and suprabasal layers as shown by confocal immunofluorescence. Confocal microscopy revealed that the number of CD44+/ERα+ cells decreased in the OVX group compared with the controls but was similar to control levels in rats receiving estrogen replacements. The protein expression of CD44 and ERα decreased after OVX and was restored to control levels after estrogen supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Markers of EPCs were expressed in the vagina, and the expression of resident EPCs was regulated by estrogen. These findings imply that resident EPCs may have an important role in the regeneration of vaginal mucosa by estrogen replacement.
Topics: Animals; Epithelial Cells; Estradiol; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogens; Female; Hyaluronan Receptors; Models, Animal; Mucous Membrane; Ovariectomy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Progesterone; Stem Cells; Vagina
PubMed: 33834644
DOI: 10.4111/icu.20200513 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2021The vagina plays a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and loss of support leads to pelvic organ prolapse. It is unknown what microstructural changes influence...
The vagina plays a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and loss of support leads to pelvic organ prolapse. It is unknown what microstructural changes influence prolapse progression nor how decreased elastic fibers contributes to vaginal remodeling and smooth muscle contractility. The objective for this study was to evaluate the effect of fibulin-5 haploinsufficiency, and deficiency with progressive prolapse on the biaxial contractile and biomechanical function of the murine vagina. Vaginas from wildtype (n = 13), haploinsufficient (n = 13), and deficient mice with grade 1 (n = 9) and grade 2 or 3 (n = 9) prolapse were explanted for biaxial contractile and biomechanical testing. Multiaxial histology (n = 3/group) evaluated elastic and collagen fiber microstructure. Western blotting quantified protein expression (n = 6/group). A one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test evaluated statistical significance. Pearson's or Spearman's test determined correlations with prolapse grade. Axial contractility decreased with fibulin-5 deficiency and POP (p < 0.001), negatively correlated with prolapse grade (ρ = - 0.80; p < 0.001), and positively correlated with muscularis elastin area fraction (ρ = - 0.78; p = 0.004). Circumferential (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001) and axial (ρ = 0.69; p < 0.001) vaginal wall stresses positively correlated with prolapse grade. These findings demonstrated that fibulin-5 deficiency and prolapse progression decreased vaginal contractility and increased vaginal wall stress. Future work is needed to better understand the processes that contribute to prolapse progression in order to guide diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Female; Haploinsufficiency; Humans; Mice; Recombinant Proteins; Stress, Mechanical; Uterine Prolapse; Vagina
PubMed: 34697337
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00351-1 -
FASEB Journal : Official Publication of... Dec 2014The estrogens are female sex hormones that are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including reproductive development and function, wound healing, and bone... (Review)
Review
The estrogens are female sex hormones that are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including reproductive development and function, wound healing, and bone growth. They are mainly known for their roles in reproductive tissues--specifically, 17β-estradiol (E2), the primary estrogen, which is secreted by the ovaries and induces cellular proliferation and growth of the uterus and mammary glands. In addition to the role of estrogens in promoting tissue growth and development during normal physiological states, they have a well-established role in determining susceptibility to disease, particularly cancer, in reproductive tissues. The responsiveness of various tissues to estrogen is genetically controlled, with marked quantitative variation observed across multiple species, including humans. This variation presents both researchers and clinicians with a veritable physiological puzzle, the pieces of which--many of them unknown--are complex and difficult to fit together. Although genetics is known to play a major role in determining sensitivity to estrogens, there are other factors, including parent of origin and the maternal environment, that are intimately linked to heritable phenotypes but do not represent genotype, per se. The objectives of this review article were to summarize the current knowledge of the role of genotype, and uterine and neonatal environments, in phenotypic variation in the response to estrogens; to discuss recent findings and the potential mechanisms involved; and to highlight exciting research opportunities for the future.
Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Mammary Glands, Human; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 25212221
DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-260307 -
Nursing ResearchEvidence suggests that intravaginal practices (IVPs) women use to cleanse their vagina or enhance sexual pleasure may be associated with unhealthy changes in the vaginal...
BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests that intravaginal practices (IVPs) women use to cleanse their vagina or enhance sexual pleasure may be associated with unhealthy changes in the vaginal microbiome (VM). However, the effects of these practices in postmenopausal women are unknown.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this pilot study was to characterize the VM communities of postmenopausal women, identify types and frequency of IVPs, and explore associations between the VM and IVPs in postmenopausal women.
METHODS
We analyzed the VM data of 21 postmenopausal women in Atlanta, Georgia, from vaginal swabs collected at a routine gynecological visit. 16S rRNA gene sequencing in the V3-V4 region was used to characterize the VM. In addition, we described the IVPs of these women, identified by using our newly developed instrument: the Vaginal Cleansing Practices Questionnaire. The associations between the VM and IVPs were explored by comparing the alpha diversities, beta diversities, and the relative abundances at both the community level and individual genus level.
RESULTS
The most abundant known bacterial genus found in the VM samples was Lactobacillus (35.7%), followed by Prevotella (21.4%). Eleven women (52%) reported using at least one type of IVP since menopause. The most common type of IVP was soap and water to clean inside the vagina. The use of IVPs was not associated with any alpha diversity metric, including Shannon index, inverse Simpson index, and Chao1 index; beta diversity metric, including Bray-Curtis and Jaccard distances; nor relative abundances at the community and individual genus level. Sociodemographic factors were also not associated with any alpha diversity metric.
DISCUSSION
Clinicians must assess IVPs and other vaginal and sexual hygiene practices of women of all ages to educate and promote healthy behaviors. More than half of the postmenopausal women in this pilot study use IVPs. Understanding the reasoning behind participants' use of IVPs and their perceptions of the possible effects of these practices will require further research. Although the small sample did not show associations with the VM, more extensive studies are warranted.
Topics: Aged; Female; Georgia; Humans; Menopause; Microbiota; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vagina
PubMed: 34262008
DOI: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000538 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2019The vaginal ecosystem is important for women's health and for a successful reproductive life, and an optimal host-microbial interaction is required for the maintenance... (Review)
Review
The vaginal ecosystem is important for women's health and for a successful reproductive life, and an optimal host-microbial interaction is required for the maintenance of eubiosis. The vaginal microbiota is dominated by species in the majority of women. Loss of dominance promotes the colonization by anaerobic bacterial species with an increase in microbial diversity. Vaginal dysbiosis is a very frequent condition which affects the immune homeostasis, inducing a rupture in the epithelial barrier and favoring infection by sexually transmitted pathogens. In this review, we describe the known interactions among immune cells and microbial commensals which govern health or disease status. Particular attention is given to microbiota compositions which, through interplay with immune cells, facilitate the establishment of viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2).
Topics: Cytokines; Dysbiosis; Female; Humans; Microbiota; Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral; Vagina; Women's Health
PubMed: 30641869
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020266 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Jun 2023The role of Lactobacillus-dominant microbiota in the endometrium in reproductive function is unclear. We therefore aimed to explore the impact of the balance of...
OBJECTIVE
The role of Lactobacillus-dominant microbiota in the endometrium in reproductive function is unclear. We therefore aimed to explore the impact of the balance of Lactobacillus and pathological bacteria in the endometrial and vaginal microbiomes on the pregnancy outcomes of women treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART).
METHODS
This study included 35 women with infertility submitted to good-quality embryo transfers. The cutoff values for abundance of Lactobacillus species (spp.) and pathological bacteria in the endometrium and vagina were calculated. Women with Lactobacillus spp. and pathological bacteria abundance above the cutoff values were categorized in the high-abundance group, whereas those with abundance below cutoff values were categorized in the low abundance group. We divided the patients into four groups based on the combination of high/low abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and pathological bacteria.
RESULTS
The 35 cases of good-quality embryo transfer resulted in 21 pregnancies. Pregnant women were present in significantly higher proportions in the high Lactobacillus spp. abundance and low pathological bacteria abundance group, whereas the opposite combination (i.e., low Lactobacillus spp. abundance and high pathological bacteria abundance) saw a significantly higher proportion of nonpregnant women (p=0.022).
CONCLUSIONS
The balance between Lactobacillus and pathological bacterial abundance in the endometrial and vaginal microbiomes is associated with pregnancy from ART.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Vagina; Endometrium; Infertility; Lactobacillus; Bacteria; Embryo Transfer; Microbiota
PubMed: 36468798
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220040 -
Infection and Immunity Mar 2018For over 3 decades, investigators have studied the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC) through clinical studies and animal models.... (Review)
Review
For over 3 decades, investigators have studied the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC) through clinical studies and animal models. While there was considerable consensus that susceptibility was not associated with any apparent deficiencies in adaptive immunity, protective immune mechanisms and the role of innate immunity remained elusive. It was not until an innovative live-challenge design was conducted in women that a fuller understanding of the natural history of infection/disease was achieved. These studies revealed that symptomatic infection is associated with recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) into the vaginal lumen. Subsequent studies in the established mouse model demonstrated that infiltrating PMNs were incapable of reducing the fungal burden, which supported the hypothesis that VVC/RVVC was an immunopathology, whereby and the host response drive symptomatic disease. Further studies in mice revealed the requirement for hyphae and identified pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and proinflammatory mediators responsible for the PMN response, all of which are critical pieces of the immunopathogenesis. However, a mechanism explaining PMN dysfunction at the vaginal mucosa remained an enigma. Ultimately, by employing mouse strains resistant or susceptible to chronic VVC, it was determined that heparan sulfate (HS) in the vaginal environment of susceptible mice serves as a competitive ligand for Mac-1 on PMNs, which effectively renders the PMNs incapable of binding to to initiate killing. Hence, the outcome of symptomatic VVC/RVVC is postulated to be dependent on a PMN-mediated immunopathogenic response involving HS that effectively places the neutrophils in a state of functional anergy.
Topics: Animals; Candida albicans; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Female; Humans; Neutrophil Infiltration; Neutrophils; Vagina
PubMed: 29203543
DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00684-17 -
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang... Oct 2020Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is an uncommon congenital malformation characterised by agenesis or hypoplasia of the vagina and uterus. Here, we...
INTRODUCTION
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is an uncommon congenital malformation characterised by agenesis or hypoplasia of the vagina and uterus. Here, we describe the treatment of patients with MRKH syndrome in a tertiary hospital.
METHODS
This retrospective study included patients with MRKH syndrome attending the Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic in a tertiary hospital. Their clinical manifestations, examinations, and methods for neovagina creation were recorded. Among patients who underwent vaginal dilation (VD), therapy duration, vaginal width and length at baseline and after VD, complications, and sexual activity and dyspareunia outcomes were evaluated.
RESULTS
Forty nine patients with MRKH syndrome were identified. Their mean age at presentation was 17.9 years; 69.4% and 24.5% of patients presented for primary amenorrhoea treatment and vaginoplasty, respectively. Forty eight patients had normal renal imaging findings and 46 XX karyotypes. Seventeen (34.7%) patients underwent VD as first-line therapy; three did not complete the therapy. Two had surgical vaginoplasty, whereas five achieved adequate vaginal length by sexual intercourse alone; 25 had not yet requested VD. The mean duration of VD was 16±10.2 (range, 4-35) weeks. The widths and lengths of the vagina at baseline and after VD were 1.1±0.28 cm and 1.3±0.7 cm, and 3.1±0.5 cm and 6.9±0.9 cm, respectively. The overall success rate of VD was 92.3%. Vaginal spotting was the most common complication (21%); only one patient reported dyspareunia.
CONCLUSIONS
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is an uncommon condition that requires multidisciplinary specialist care. Vaginal dilation is an effective first-line approach for neovagina creation.
Topics: 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development; Adolescent; Congenital Abnormalities; Dilatation; Female; Humans; Mullerian Ducts; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; Treatment Outcome; Vagina
PubMed: 33060366
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj208467