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Clinical Microbiology Reviews Apr 2016Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most commonly reported microbiological syndrome among women of childbearing age. BV is characterized by a shift in the vaginal flora from... (Review)
Review
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most commonly reported microbiological syndrome among women of childbearing age. BV is characterized by a shift in the vaginal flora from the dominant Lactobacillus to a polymicrobial flora. BV has been associated with a wide array of health issues, including preterm births, pelvic inflammatory disease, increased susceptibility to HIV infection, and other chronic health problems. A number of potential microbial pathogens, singly and in combinations, have been implicated in the disease process. The list of possible agents continues to expand and includes members of a number of genera, including Gardnerella, Atopobium, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, Mobiluncus, Sneathia, Leptotrichia, Mycoplasma, and BV-associated bacterium 1 (BVAB1) to BVAB3. Efforts to characterize BV using epidemiological, microscopic, microbiological culture, and sequenced-based methods have all failed to reveal an etiology that can be consistently documented in all women with BV. A careful analysis of the available data suggests that what we term BV is, in fact, a set of common clinical signs and symptoms that can be provoked by a plethora of bacterial species with proinflammatory characteristics, coupled to an immune response driven by variability in host immune function.
Topics: Bacteria; DNA, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Microbiota; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 26864580
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.00075-15 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021The cervicovaginal microbiome plays an important role in protecting women from dysbiosis and infection caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In healthy reproductive-age...
The cervicovaginal microbiome plays an important role in protecting women from dysbiosis and infection caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In healthy reproductive-age women the cervicovaginal microbiome is predominantly colonized by protective spp. The loss of these protective bacteria leads to colonization of the cervicovaginal microenvironment by pathogenic microorganisms resulting in dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). and sp. are two of the many anaerobes that can contribute to BV, a condition associated with multiple adverse obstetric and gynecological outcomes. has been linked to high Nugent scores (relating to BV morphotypes) and preterm birth (PTB), whilst some bacterial members of the family are highly prevalent in BV, and identified in ~85-95% of cases. The functional impact of and sp. in BV is still poorly understood. To determine the individual immunometabolic contributions of sp. and within the cervicovaginal microenvironment, we utilized our well-characterized human three-dimensional (3-D) cervical epithelial cell model in combination with multiplex immunoassays and global untargeted metabolomics approaches to identify key immune mediators and metabolites related to and sp. infections. We found that infection with significantly elevated multiple proinflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and MCP-1) and altered metabolites related to energy metabolism (nicotinamide and succinate) and oxidative stress (cysteinylglycine, cysteinylglycine disulfide and 2-hydroxygluatrate). sp. infection significantly elevated multiple sphingolipids and glycerolipids related to epithelial barrier function, and biogenic amines (putrescine and cadaverine) associated with elevated vaginal pH, vaginal amine odor and vaginal discharge. Our study elucidated that elevated multiple proinflammatory markers relating to PTB and STI acquisition, as well as altered energy metabolism and oxidative stress, whilst sp. upregulated multiple biogenic amines associated with the clinical diagnostic criteria of BV. Future studies are needed to evaluate how these bacteria interact with other BV-associated bacteria within the cervicovaginal microenvironment.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Microbiota; Mobiluncus; Pregnancy; Premature Birth; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 35004344
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759697 -
Anaerobe Feb 2020Recent human clinical studies have identified Mobiluncus mulieris, a fastidious strict anaerobic bacterium present in the cervicovaginal (CV) space, as being strongly...
Microbial supernatants from Mobiluncus mulieris, a bacteria strongly associated with spontaneous preterm birth, disrupts the cervical epithelial barrier through inflammatory and miRNA mediated mechanisms.
Recent human clinical studies have identified Mobiluncus mulieris, a fastidious strict anaerobic bacterium present in the cervicovaginal (CV) space, as being strongly associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie this association remain unknown. As disruption of the cervical epithelial barrier has been shown to contribute to the premature cervical remodeling that precedes sPTB, we hypothesize that M. mulieris, a microbe strongly associated with sPTB in humans, has the ability to alter cervical epithelial function. We investigated if bacteria-free supernatants of M. mulieris were able to disrupt the cervical epithelial barrier through immunological and epigenetic based mechanisms in an in vitro model system. Ectocervical cells were treated with supernatant from cultured M. mulieris and epithelial cell permeability, immune cytokines and microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated. M. mulieris supernatant significantly increased cell permeability and the expression of two inflammatory mediators associated with cervical epithelial breakdown, IL-6 and IL-8. Moreover, treatment of the ectocervical cells with the M. mulieris supernatant also increased the expression of miRNAs that have been associated with either sPTB or a shorter gestational length in humans. Collectively, these results suggest that M. mulieris induces molecular and functional changes in the cervical epithelial barrier thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of sPTB, which allows us to hypothesize that targeting CV bacteria such as M. mulieris could provide a therapeutic opportunity to reduce sPTB rates.
Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Biomarkers; Cell Membrane Permeability; Culture Media, Conditioned; Cytokines; Epithelial Cells; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; MicroRNAs; Mobiluncus; Mucous Membrane; Premature Birth
PubMed: 31760081
DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102127 -
American Journal of Reproductive... Aug 2023Preterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of childhood mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that the risk of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) is increased in individuals with...
PROBLEM
Preterm birth (PTB) remains a leading cause of childhood mortality. Recent studies demonstrate that the risk of spontaneous PTB (sPTB) is increased in individuals with Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbial communities. One proposed mechanism is that vaginal microbes ascend through the cervix, colonize the uterus, and activate inflammatory pathways leading to sPTB. This study assessed whether intrauterine colonization with either Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus mulieris alone is sufficient to induce maternal-fetal inflammation and induce sPTB.
METHOD OF STUDY
C56/B6J mice, on embryonic day 15, received intrauterine inoculation of saline or 10 colony-forming units of G. vaginalis (n = 30), M. mulieris (n = 17), or Lactobacillus crispatus (n = 16). Dams were either monitored for maternal morbidity and sPTB or sacrificed 6 h post-infusion for analysis of bacterial growth and cytokine/chemokine expression in maternal and fetal tissues.
RESULTS
Six hours following intrauterine inoculation with G. vaginalis, M. mulieris, or L. crispatus, live bacteria were observed in both blood and amniotic fluid, and a potent immune response was identified in the uterus and maternal serum. In contrast, only a limited immune response was identified in the amniotic fluid and the fetus after intrauterine inoculation. High bacterial load (10 CFU/animal) of G. vaginalis was associated with maternal morbidity and mortality but not sPTB. Intrauterine infusion with L. crispatus or M. mulieris at 10 CFU/animal did not induce sPTB, alter pup viability, litter size, or maternal mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite inducing an immune response, intrauterine infusion of live G. vaginalis or M. mulieris is not sufficient to induce sPTB in our mouse model. These results suggest that ascension of common vaginal microbes into the uterine cavity alone is not causative for sPTB.
Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Gardnerella vaginalis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mobiluncus; Mothers; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Premature Birth; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Female; Animals; Mice
PubMed: 37491927
DOI: 10.1111/aji.13749 -
Acta Crystallographica. Section D,... Nov 2023Cell-surface proteins known as adhesins enable bacteria to colonize particular environments, and in Gram-positive bacteria often contain autocatalytically formed...
Cell-surface proteins known as adhesins enable bacteria to colonize particular environments, and in Gram-positive bacteria often contain autocatalytically formed covalent intramolecular cross-links. While investigating the prevalence of such cross-links, a remarkable example was discovered in Mobiluncus mulieris, a pathogen associated with bacterial vaginosis. This organism encodes a putative adhesin of 7651 residues. Crystallography and mass spectrometry of two selected domains, and AlphaFold structure prediction of the remainder of the protein, were used to show that this adhesin belongs to the family of thioester, isopeptide and ester-bond-containing proteins (TIE proteins). It has an N-terminal domain homologous to thioester adhesion domains, followed by 51 immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains containing ester- or isopeptide-bond cross-links. The energetic cost to the M. mulieris bacterium in retaining such a large adhesin as a single gene or protein construct suggests a critical role in pathogenicity and/or persistence.
Topics: Female; Humans; Mobiluncus; Adhesins, Bacterial; Esters
PubMed: 37860959
DOI: 10.1107/S2059798323007507 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Jun 1985A total of 26 Mobiluncus strains (17 M. curtisii and 9 M. mulieris strains) were compared serologically by double immunodiffusion and immunoblotting against antisera...
A total of 26 Mobiluncus strains (17 M. curtisii and 9 M. mulieris strains) were compared serologically by double immunodiffusion and immunoblotting against antisera prepared against representative isolates of each species. All strains from the same species were strongly reactive with homologous antisera but generally weakly reactive with antisera to the heterologous Mobiluncus spp. The antisera did not react with strains of the unrelated genera Campylobacter, Succinivibrio, Wolinella, Actinomyces, Anaerobiospirillum, and Anaerovibrio.
Topics: Antigens, Bacterial; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Bacterial Proteins; Immunodiffusion; Immunosorbent Techniques; Molecular Weight
PubMed: 3924951
DOI: 10.1128/jcm.21.6.891-893.1985 -
The New Microbiologica Jul 1997The antigenic profile of 30 vaginal isolates of Mobiluncus strains (22 M. curtisii and 8 M. mulieris) was determined by immunoblotting technique using mouse immune...
The antigenic profile of 30 vaginal isolates of Mobiluncus strains (22 M. curtisii and 8 M. mulieris) was determined by immunoblotting technique using mouse immune ascitic fluids containing polyclonal antibodies against the type strains M. curtisii subsp. holmesii (ATCC 35242) and M. mulieris (ATCC 35243). Two antigenic profiles were identified within M. curtisii isolates, whereas a certain variability was observed among M. mulieris strains where at least three antigens were constantly recognized. The detection of antigenic profiles of Mobiluncus strains by immunoblotting technique provided a simple method to identify Mobiluncus isolates at the species level.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antigenic Variation; Antigens, Bacterial; Ascitic Fluid; Blotting, Western; Female; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mobiluncus; Molecular Weight; Vagina
PubMed: 9258945
DOI: No ID Found -
Infectious Disease Reports Jan 2022There are few reports of bacteremia caused by in the literature. We present a review of the literature in addition to a case study.
BACKGROUND
There are few reports of bacteremia caused by in the literature. We present a review of the literature in addition to a case study.
METHOD
We describe the case of an 82-year-old patient who underwent gastrointestinal surgery and subsequently presented with dehydration, nausea, and hyperkalemia secondary to diarrhea. Further clinical work included blood cultures, and the patient was started empirically on piperacillin/tazobactam.
RESULTS
After five days, the blood culture bottle showed growth of a gram-variable, curved rod-shaped organism. After culture under anaerobic conditions on sheep blood agar, the organism was identified as by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and enzymatic technology. A review of the literature reveals five additional cases of bacteremia.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the sixth case in the literature describing species bacteremia. This organism is rarely identified in blood culture and is most often thought of in the context of bacterial vaginosis. However, the reported cases of bacteremia show gastrointestinal symptoms and presumed gastrointestinal source of infection. The pathogenesis of infection of this organism requires further investigation.
PubMed: 35076503
DOI: 10.3390/idr14010009 -
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie :... Dec 1991The analysis of electrophoretic protein profiles of 21 Mobiluncus curtisii, 11 Mobiluncus mulieris and 3 reference strains (Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. curtisii ATCC...
The analysis of electrophoretic protein profiles of 21 Mobiluncus curtisii, 11 Mobiluncus mulieris and 3 reference strains (Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. curtisii ATCC 35241, Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. holmesii ATCC 35242 and Mobiluncus mulieris BV 64-5) demonstrated species-related patterns. A highly variable region appeared at 70-85 kDa for Mobiluncus curtisii and at 75-95 kDa for Mobiluncus mulieris, which was likely to correspond to cell surface located proteins. When performed under standardized conditions, PAGE-protein analysis allowed to define intraspecies clusters, from which some strains appeared identical. Thus, the method seemed to provide a useful additive to identify a strain at the species level and might be of epidemiological interest.
Topics: Bacteria, Anaerobic; Bacterial Proteins; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Female; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Urogenital System
PubMed: 1789904
DOI: 10.1016/s0934-8840(11)80213-6 -
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious... Nov 1994Mobiluncus species are uncommonly isolated from nongenital sites. We report a case of abdominal abscess with associated Mobiluncus mulieris bacteremia and review the... (Review)
Review
Mobiluncus species are uncommonly isolated from nongenital sites. We report a case of abdominal abscess with associated Mobiluncus mulieris bacteremia and review the literature on extragenital infections due to Mobiluncus species.
Topics: Bacteroidaceae Infections; Diabetic Ketoacidosis; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Mobiluncus
PubMed: 7874884
DOI: 10.1016/0732-8893(94)90111-2