-
PloS One 2024Candida albicans (C. albicans) can behave as a commensal yeast colonizing the vaginal mucosa, and in this condition is tolerated by the epithelium. When the epithelial...
Candida albicans (C. albicans) can behave as a commensal yeast colonizing the vaginal mucosa, and in this condition is tolerated by the epithelium. When the epithelial tolerance breaks down, due to C. albicans overgrowth and hyphae formation, the generated inflammatory response and cell damage lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) symptoms. Here, we focused on the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in vaginal epithelial cells after C. albicans infection and the involvement of fungal burden, morphogenesis and candidalysin (CL) production in such induction. Bioluminescent (BLI) C. albicans, C. albicans PCA-2 and C. albicans 529L strains were employed in an in vitro infection model including reconstituted vaginal epithelium cells (RVE), produced starting from A-431 cell line. The production of mtROS was kinetically measured by using MitoSOX™ Red probe. The potency of C. albicans to induced cell damage to RVE and C. albicans proliferation have also been evaluated. C. albicans induces a rapid mtROS release from vaginal epithelial cells, in parallel with an increase of the fungal load and hyphal formation. Under the same experimental conditions, the 529L C. albicans strain, known to be defective in CL production, induced a minor mtROS release showing the key role of CL in causing epithelial mithocondrial activation. C. albicans PCA-2, unable to form hyphae, induced comparable but slower mtROS production as compared to BLI C. albicans yeasts. By reducing mtROS through a ROS scavenger, an increased fungal burden was observed during RVE infection but not in fungal cultures grown on abiotic surface. Collectively, we conclude that CL, more than fungal load and hyphae formation, seems to play a key role in the rapid activation of mtROS by epithelial cells and in the induction of cell-damage and that mtROS are key elements in the vaginal epithelial cells response to C. albicans.
Topics: Candida albicans; Female; Humans; Mitochondria; Vagina; Reactive Oxygen Species; Epithelial Cells; Fungal Proteins; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Hyphae; Cell Line
PubMed: 38768097
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303449 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... 2024• The balanced vaginal microbiome is the main factor defending the vaginal environment against infections. Lactobacilli play a key role in this regard, maintaining the... (Review)
Review
• The balanced vaginal microbiome is the main factor defending the vaginal environment against infections. Lactobacilli play a key role in this regard, maintaining the vaginal pH within the normal range (3.8 to 4.5). •Hormonal and immune adaptations resulting from pregnancy influence changes in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy. •An altered vaginal microbiome predisposes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. •Bacterial vaginosis is the main clinical expression of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. •Vulvovaginal candidiasis depends more on the host's conditions than on the etiological agent. • is a protozoan transmitted during sexual intercourse. •The use of probiotics is not approved for use in pregnant women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Vulvovaginitis; Microbiota; Vagina; Vaginosis, Bacterial
PubMed: 38765512
DOI: 10.61622/rbgo/2024FPS03 -
Canadian Journal of Microbiology May 2024Boric acid is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis when patients relapse on the primary azole drug fluconazole. Candida albicans is the...
Boric acid is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis when patients relapse on the primary azole drug fluconazole. Candida albicans is the most common cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis, colloquially referred to as a "vaginal yeast infection". Little is known about the propensity of C. albicans to develop BA resistance or tolerance (the ability of a subpopulation to grow slowly in high levels of drug). We evolved 96 replicates from eight diverse C. albicans strains to increasing BA concentrations to test the evolvability of BA resistance and tolerance. Replicate growth was individually assessed daily, with replicates passaged when they had reached an optical density consistent with exponential growth. Many replicates went extinct quickly. Although some replicates could grow in much higher levels of BA than the ancestral strains, evolved populations isolated from the highest terminal BA levels (after 11 weeks of passages) surprisingly showed only modest growth improvements and only at low levels of BA. No large increases in resistance or tolerance were observed in the evolved replicates. Overall, our findings illustrate that there may be evolutionary constraints limiting the emergence of BA resistance and tolerance, which could explain why it remains an effective treatment for recurrent yeast infections.
PubMed: 38754137
DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2023-0225 -
Nutrients Apr 2024Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic anticandidal effect of...
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common cause of vaginal discharge among women. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic anticandidal effect of lactobacillus cultures supplemented with plant extracts. Among 600 isolates of lactic acid bacteria, 41 isolates exhibited inhibitory activity against ATCC10231. Six out of 41 cell-free supernatants demonstrated the most potent antibacterial and anticandidal activities. They also inhibited the clinical isolates of causing VVC and non-. The synergistic effect between 84/7 and 89/4 was demonstrated by the lowest fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI = 0.5). The synbiotic culture of bacterial combination, cultured with Jerusalem artichoke () extract, also exhibited the strongest inhibition against the tested . Biofilm formation decreased after 12 h of incubation in the selected cell-free supernatants of this synbiotic culture. The anticandidal activity of crude extracts was lost after treatment with proteinase K and trypsin but not with heating conditions, suggesting that it may be a heat-stable substance. In conclusion, the combination of 84/7 and 89/4 with may be a promising candidate for inhibiting infection and biofilm formation, with the potential use as ingredients in vaginal biotherapeutic products.
Topics: Candida albicans; Plant Extracts; Female; Humans; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Synbiotics; Vaginal Discharge; Biofilms; Lactobacillus; Limosilactobacillus reuteri; Lactobacillus crispatus; Antifungal Agents
PubMed: 38732618
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091372 -
Clinical Case Reports May 2024Here we present a case of a 4-year-old girl who suffered from vulvovaginitis caused by . All members of her family were also infected by this helminth. Treatment with...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Here we present a case of a 4-year-old girl who suffered from vulvovaginitis caused by . All members of her family were also infected by this helminth. Treatment with mebendazole was administered to all family members and it was found that the entire family had been cured.
ABSTRACT
Vulvovaginitis, an inflammation of the vulvovaginal mucous membranes, is a common reason for pediatric gynecology consultations. One of the causes of this condition is a parasitic worm known as (). In girls, adult worms can infiltrate the vagina and release eggs, leading to the development of vulvovaginitis. Furthermore, these worms have the ability to invade the endometrial cavity too. Here we present a case of a 4-year-old girl who suffered from vulvovaginitis caused by . All members of her family were also infected by this parasitic helminth. In the vaginal sample, apart from the eggs, the female adult worm was observed under the microscope. Treatment with mebendazole was administered to all family members, and their progress was followed for a period of 3 weeks, during which it was found that the entire family had been cured. This patient experienced significant improvement in symptoms related to severe anxiety, nervousness, vaginal inflammation, itching, and vulvovaginitis caused by . To prevent infection by , it is crucial to disinfect underwear and bed sheets. In kindergartens, the spread of this parasite should not be underestimated, and asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to infected persons should receive treatment to prevent an epidemic. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, especially after using the toilet, is of the most importance, particularly for girls who are more susceptible to infection. Additionally, it is essential for all family members to be aware of the transmission routes of this parasite.
PubMed: 38725928
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8902 -
Maturitas Aug 2024Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a comprehensive term that groups genital, urinary and sexual signs and symptoms mainly due sex hormone deficiency and aging, with... (Review)
Review
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a comprehensive term that groups genital, urinary and sexual signs and symptoms mainly due sex hormone deficiency and aging, with a crucial impact on quality of life of midlife women. While this broad definition captures the common underlying physiopathology and the frequent overlap of symptomatology, improving knowledge about different components of genitourinary syndrome of menopause may be relevant for individualized treatment, with possible implications for efficacy, compliance and satisfaction. This narrative review focuses on the vulvar component of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, highlighting anatomical and functional peculiarities of the vulva that are responsible for some of the self-reported symptoms, as well as specific signs at physical examination. Increasing evidence points towards a pivotal role of vulvar vestibular health in the occurrence of sexual pain, one of the most common and distressing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which should be evaluated with validated scales taking a biopsychosocial perspective. This is an essential step in the recognition of different phenotypes of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and in the assessment of the most effective diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. Menopausal vulvar health deserves more research into tailored non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Female; Menopause; Vulva; Syndrome; Female Urogenital Diseases; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Quality of Life; Vulvar Diseases
PubMed: 38704313
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2024.108006 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Candidiasis places a significant burden on human health and can range from common superficial vulvovaginal and oral infections to invasive diseases with high mortality....
UNLABELLED
Candidiasis places a significant burden on human health and can range from common superficial vulvovaginal and oral infections to invasive diseases with high mortality. The most common species implicated in human disease is , but other species like are emerging. The use of azole antifungals for treatment is limited by increasing rates of resistance. This study explores repositioning bisphosphonates, which are traditionally used for osteoporosis, as antifungal synergists that can improve and revitalize the use of azoles. Risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were tested against isolates from six different species of , and ZOL produced moderate antifungal activity and strong synergy with azoles like fluconazole (FLC), particularly in . FLC:ZOL combinations had increased fungicidal and antibiofilm activity compared to either drug alone, and the combination prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the synergy was mediated by the depletion of squalene, resulting in the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and a compromised membrane structure. In , synergy compromised the function of membrane-bound multidrug transporters and caused an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may account for its acute sensitivity to FLC:ZOL. The efficacy of FLC:ZOL was confirmed in a infection model, where combinations improved the survival of larvae infected with and to a greater extent than monotherapy with FLC or ZOL, and at reduced dosages. These findings demonstrate that bisphosphonates and azoles are a promising new combination therapy for the treatment of topical candidiasis.
IMPORTANCE
is a common and often very serious opportunistic fungal pathogen. Invasive candidiasis is a prevalent cause of nosocomial infections with a high mortality rate, and mucocutaneous infections significantly impact the quality of life of millions of patients a year. These infections pose substantial clinical challenges, particularly as the currently available antifungal treatment options are limited in efficacy and often toxic. Azoles are a mainstay of antifungal therapy and work by targeting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. However, there are rising rates of acquired azole resistance in various species, and some species are considered intrinsically resistant to most azoles. Our research demonstrates the promising therapeutic potential of synergistically enhancing azoles with non-toxic, FDA-approved bisphosphonates. Repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungal synergists can bypass much of the drug development pipeline and accelerate the translation of azole-bisphosphonate combination therapy.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Drug Synergism; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Azoles; Humans; Diphosphonates; Candida; Animals; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Candidiasis; Fluconazole; Biofilms; Candida glabrata; Candida albicans
PubMed: 38695556
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00121-24 -
National Journal of Maxillofacial... 2024While fluconazole use is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there has been an increasing number of reports regarding several adverse events. Therefore, the...
While fluconazole use is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, there has been an increasing number of reports regarding several adverse events. Therefore, the present study aimed to present a unique case in which photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) was employed to manage bullous erythema multiforme lesions secondary to fluconazole intake. A 32-year-old female patient sought emergency dental care due to painful orofacial lesions that had developed two days after oral fluconazole use for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Given the acute clinical features, a diagnosis of bullous erythema multiforme secondary to fluconazole was established. Prednisone 20 mg was then prescribed for five days, and fluconazole intake was immediately discontinued. As the initial treatment strategies failed to show improvement in the clinical condition, three PBMT sessions were proposed every other day. Within seven days, almost complete wound healing was observed, and any pain complaints were no longer present. The resolution of orofacial lesions within a short period suggests that PBMT could be a promising tool for managing drug-induced bullous erythema multiforme. However, more studies are needed to confirm this statement.
PubMed: 38690232
DOI: 10.4103/njms.njms_128_22 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a persistent public health threat worldwide, particularly among women in low-income countries of Africa, including Ethiopia,...
Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a persistent public health threat worldwide, particularly among women in low-income countries of Africa, including Ethiopia, where drug resistance is also a growing problem. It is crucial to address this problem to ensure women's health and well-being. A cross-sectional study was carried out among a cohort of 398 women of reproductive age who sought medical attention at the Gynecology Department of the Arba Minch General Hospital, southern Ethiopia, from January to June 2020. They were chosen through systematic random sampling, and a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collection of vaginal and/or cervical swabs were done to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV) using Nugent and AV score analyses, respectively. The swabs were subjected to standard microbiological culture techniques to detect the isolates causing AV and vaginal candidiasis (VC). The susceptibility profiles of the causative agents of AV were checked by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were also done. Aerobic vaginitis was the predominantly diagnosed RTI (n = 122, 30.7%), followed by BV (n = 117, 29.4%) and VC (n = 111, 27.9%). The prominent bacteria of AV were Escherichia coli (n = 36, 34.2%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 30, 28.5%). The overall rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria was 65.71% (n = 69). History of abortion (p = 0.01; AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.1, 7.7) and the habit of using vaginal pH-altering contraceptives (p = 0.01; AOR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.5, 8.8) have the greatest odds of RTI. The high prevalence of RTIs in our study warrants an urgent intervention to minimize the associated morbidities and complications. The overall rate of MDR bacterial isolates necessitates the implementation of an effective surveillance program in the study setting.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ethiopia; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Adult; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Cross-Sectional Studies; Young Adult; Adolescent; Vagina; Middle Aged; Vaginitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria, Aerobic; Prevalence
PubMed: 38684716
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58654-y -
Open Veterinary Journal Mar 2024Diagnosing ovarian tumors in dogs can be challenging since the clinical symptoms are often generic. The present case report underscores a rare case in which a suspected...
BACKGROUND
Diagnosing ovarian tumors in dogs can be challenging since the clinical symptoms are often generic. The present case report underscores a rare case in which a suspected unilateral ovarian tumor in a dog was initially identified using ultrasonography and subsequently confirmed to be a luteoma through postoperative histopathology.
CASE DESCRIPTION
An 8-year and 6-month-old female Maltese dog presented with a 10-day history of vulvovaginal bleeding, hematuria, and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed only vaginal bleeding, with no other abnormalities. Laboratory examinations showed no abnormalities, while abdominal radiography revealed the presence of cystic calculi as the sole abnormality. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged right ovary with regular contour and echogenicity, featuring unusual cystic components surrounding the right ovarian parenchyma. Furthermore, irregular thickening with multiple cystic lesions was observed in the endometrial wall of the bilateral uterine horns, indicative of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Ultrasonographic findings suggested unilateral right ovarian disease. During ovariohysterectomy, the right ovary was slightly larger than the left ovary and adhered to the surrounding mesenteric fat layer and right pancreatic parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of luteoma in the right ovary. Three days after surgery, the patient's clinical signs exhibited complete improvement, with the return of normal appetite.
CONCLUSION
This case report highlights a rare diagnosis of unilateral ovarian luteoma based on mild ultrasonographic abnormalities, which was ultimately confirmed on histopathological examination.
Topics: Female; Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ultrasonography; Luteoma; Ovariectomy
PubMed: 38682128
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i3.22