scholarly journals Vaginal Microbiota of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis in Women with Vaginitis in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1864
Author(s):  
Shu-Fang Chiu ◽  
Po-Jung Huang ◽  
Wei-Hung Cheng ◽  
Ching-Yun Huang ◽  
Lichieh Julie Chu ◽  
...  

The three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The prevalence of these STIs in Taiwan remains largely unknown and the risk of STI acquisition affected by the vaginal microbiota is also elusive. In this study, a total of 327 vaginal swabs collected from women with vaginitis were analyzed to determine the presence of STIs and the associated microorganisms by using the BD Max CT/GC/TV molecular assay, microbial cultures, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The prevalence of CT, TV, and GC was 10.8%, 2.2% and 0.6%, respectively. A culture-dependent method identified that Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) were more likely to be associated with CT and TV infections. In CT-positive patients, the vaginal microbiota was dominated by L. iners, and the relative abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis (12.46%) was also higher than that in TV-positive patients and the non-STIs group. However, Lactobacillus spp. was significantly lower in TV-positive patients, while GBS (10.11%), Prevotella bivia (6.19%), Sneathia sanguinegens (12.75%), and Gemella asaccharolytica (5.31%) were significantly enriched. Using an in vitro co-culture assay, we demonstrated that the growth of L. iners was suppressed in the initial interaction with TV, but it may adapt and survive after longer exposure to TV. Additionally, it is noteworthy that TV was able to promote GBS growth. Our study highlights the vaginal microbiota composition associated with the common STIs and the crosstalk between TV and the associated bacteria, paving the way for future development of health interventions targeting the specific vaginal bacterial taxa to reduce the risk of common STIs.

World Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (8(36)) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Fedorych P. V. ◽  
Mavrov G. I.

Introduction.The structure of incidence of sexually transmitted infections is changing constantly. Information on such changes supports correct planning of clinical and diagnostic activities of institutions providing specialized medical care by qualified specialists.Objective:to investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections with pathogens clinically significant to the genitourinary system in Ukraine and at the local level.Materials and methods. Polymerase chain reaction was used to test the biological material obtained from the genitourinary clinical specimens from subjects with sexually transmitted infections, who underwent clinical and laboratory examinations in Oleksandrivsk Clinical Hospital (Kyiv, Ukraine) for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Human papillomavirus, and Neisseria gonorrhoea. During 2017, 607 subjects of both genders, including 295 (48.6%) females and 312 (51.4%) males, were examined. Their mean age was 32±3.5.Findings. Chlamydia trachomatis was found in 159 (26.2%) of 607 examined subjects – 85 males and 74 females. Mycoplasma hominis was found in 122 of 585 (21.1%) examined subjects – 64 males and 58 females. Mycoplasma genitalium, respectively, in 17 (6.62%) of 258 subjects – 6 males and 11 females. Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in the largest number of subjects (305, i.e. in 48.77% of 601 examined subjects) – 157 males and 148 females. Trichomonas vaginalis was found in 28 (5.23%) of 535 subjects – 15 males and 13 females. Human papillomavirus was found in 158 of 297 (53.2%) examined subjects – 88 males and 70 females. Neisseria gonorrhea was found in 33 of 297 (8.45%) subjects – 8 males and 25 females.Conclusions. As suggested by the local study of the sexually transmitted infections incidence in Ukraine, the most clinically significant for the genitourinary system are Human papillomavirus (53.2%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (48.77%), Chlamydia trachomatis (26.2%) and Mycoplasma hominis (21.1%). Therefore, tests for these pathogens in the specified region is currently the most appropriate during diagnostic examinations and counselling of subjects with genitourinary infections.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Okecha ◽  
Emily Boardman ◽  
Saleha Patel ◽  
Emile Morgan

AbstractBackgroundOnline pharmacies offer an alternative approach for patients to manage their sexual health. Our aim was to determine the type of antimicrobials sold as treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by UK internet pharmacies and if providers were adhering to national guidelines.MethodsA search engine results page (SERP) generated a list of registered UK online pharmacies offering treatment for the following infections: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Herpes simplex and Trichomonas vaginalis. An initial audit in 2017 benchmarked each provider against the British Association of Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH guidelines. Results were fed back to each provider before re-audit in 2020. Websites selling antibiotics for non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and Mycoplasma genitalium were included at re-audit.ResultsThere were 30 pharmacies identified in 2017 of which, five were excluded. Treatment could be obtained for Neisseria gonorrhoeae from five pharmacies without providing a culture result; three (60%) pharmacies sold BASHH approved antibiotics for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. All 25 pharmacies sold Chlamydia trachomatis treatment; 22 (88%) offered first line treatment options but no website assessed for proctitis. Herpes simplex treatment was sold on 22 websites of which, 13 (59%) offered treatment recommended by BASHH. Trichomonas vaginalis treatment was sold by four websites in line with BASHH. Results at re-audit showed an improvement in standards, although advice before, during and after treatment remained variable.DiscussionOur work has allowed us to engage with providers to improve prescribing within the UK online pharmacy industry. However, tougher regulation is needed in order to embed sustainable change for patients who choose to access treatment online.


2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 2692-2695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A. Simoes ◽  
Diane M. Citron ◽  
Alla Aroutcheva ◽  
Robert A. Anderson ◽  
Calvin J. Chany ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT This is the first report demonstrating the in vitro inhibitory activity of two novel microbicides (cellulose sulfate and polystyrene sulfonate) against bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria. Vaginal application of these microbicides not only may reduce the risk of acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infection-causing organisms but may also decrease the incidence of BV.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110076
Author(s):  
Ameen E Chaudry ◽  
Rizwana Chaudhri ◽  
Aasia Kayani ◽  
Lamar W Hayes ◽  
Claire C Bristow ◽  
...  

Objectives: To understand the acceptability and feasibility of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing during antenatal care, along with the prevalence of STIs, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods: We enrolled pregnant women seeking antenatal care and performed STI testing using Cepheid GeneXpert® CT/NG and TV kits and Alere Determine™ HIV and syphilis tests. We used interviewer-administered surveys to collect medical, social, and sexual histories. Participants testing positive for STIs and their partners were treated. Results: We enrolled 1001 women from September to December 2019. Nearly all women offered to participate in this study enrolled. Most women understood the effects an STI can have on their pregnancy (99.6%) and valued STI screening during pregnancy (98.1%). 11 women tested positive for any STI: ( Chlamydia trachomatis = 4, Neisseria gonorrhoeae = 1, and Trichomonas vaginalis = 6). Of those, six presented for a test-of-cure, and two were positive for Trichomonas vaginalis. None tested positive for HIV infection or syphilis ( n = 503). Conclusions: STI testing during antenatal care in Rawalpindi was acceptable, valued, understood, and feasible. The prevalence of STIs in pregnant women was low. Continued prevalence monitoring is warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-510
Author(s):  
Elena Belyaeva ◽  
Eleva Genich ◽  
Olga Leshchenko

The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of detection of opportunistic sexually transmitted infections (Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma spp, Human papillomavirus) in HIV-infected women planning pregnancy. Methods and Results: We examined 31 HIV-positive Caucasian women. They sought pregnancy planning advice at the Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems in Irkutsk during 2014-2015. The average age of the women was 30.9±4.5 years (20-39 years). A clinical diagnosis of HIV was made at Irkutsk Regional AIDS Center. All HIV-infected women were tested for the presence of DNA of pathogens of bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections in the epithelium of the cervical canal. Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 1(3.2%) participant, Trichomonas vaginalis in 1(3.2%), Ureaplasma spp. in 14(45.2%), and HPV in 22(71%). Co-infection of HPV and Ureaplasma spp. was observed in 35.5% of HIV-positive women. Conclusion: the prevention and detection of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-infected individuals remain a public health priority and an integral component of HIV primary care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunila Shakya ◽  
Solveig Thingulstad ◽  
Unni Syversen ◽  
Svein Arne Nordbø ◽  
Surendra Madhup ◽  
...  

Introduction. We have previously determined the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among women in rural Nepal. In the current study, we also wanted to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the same population. Methods. Population-based study of nonpregnant women ≥ 15 years who were married or had a history of marriage in the past, residing in five rural villages in Nepal. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive history, and genitourinary symptoms were collected, and a gynecological examination was conducted. Cervical samples were analyzed by real-time PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis and HPV, and a serum sample was analyzed for syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV infection by serology. Results. Of 2416 eligible women, 62% participated. Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, HPV and HBV infection, and syphilis were detected in 5.4%, 0.8%, 14.3%, 0.3%, and 0.2% of the women. None had gonorrhea or HIV infection. Of those with genitourinary symptoms, 6.3% had a curable STI. Vaginal discharge classified as abnormal by gynecological examination, but not self-reported discharge, was significantly associated with laboratory diagnosis of a curable STI. Risk factors for trichomoniasis were reproductive age and high cast/ethnicity. Due to low prevalence, risk factors for other STIs could not be disclosed. Conclusion. We observed high prevalence of HPV infection followed by trichomoniasis, while other STIs were rare among women in rural Nepal. There was no association between genitourinary symptoms and laboratory-confirmed STIs.


Author(s):  
Simone Filardo ◽  
Marisa Di Pietro ◽  
Giulia Tranquilli ◽  
Rosa Sessa

In healthy women, the cervicovaginal microbiota is mostly populated by Lactobacillus spp., the main host defense factor of the female genital tract. In addition to Lactobacilli, other microorganisms populate the cervicovaginal microbiota, like Candida spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis. The overgrowth of Candida spp. or G. vaginalis, known as biofilm-producing microorganisms in the genital ecosystem, may lead to microbial dysbiosis that increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, like Chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is still considered an important public health problem worldwide because of the impact of asymptomatic infections on long-term reproductive sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The aim of our study was to investigate the interaction between C. trachomatis and the biofilm produced by Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis, evaluating whether the biofilm can harbor C. trachomatis and influence its survival as well as its infectious properties. In order to do so, we developed an in vitro coculture transwell-based biofilm model. Our findings proved, for the first time, that C. trachomatis, an intracellular obligate pathogen, survived, for up to 72 hours after exposure, inside the biofilm produced by C. albicans or G. vaginalis, retaining its infectious properties, as evidenced by the typical chlamydial inclusions observed in the cell monolayer (chlamydial inclusion-forming units at 72 h: 9255 ± 1139 and 9873 ± 1015, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest that the biofilm related to Candida or Gardnerella genital infections may act as a reservoir of C. trachomatis and, thus, contribute to the transmission of the infection in the population as well as to its dissemination into the upper genital tract, increasing the risk of developing severe reproductive sequelae.


2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (4) ◽  
pp. 627-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Tamarelle ◽  
Bing Ma ◽  
Pawel Gajer ◽  
Mike S Humphrys ◽  
Mishka Terplan ◽  
...  

Abstract We characterized the composition and structure of the vaginal microbiota in a cohort of 149 women with genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection at baseline who were followed quarterly for 9 months after antibiotic treatment. At time of diagnosis, the vaginal microbiota was dominated by Lactobacillus iners or a diverse array of bacterial vaginosis–associated bacteria including Gardnerella vaginalis. Interestingly, L. iners–dominated communities were most common after azithromycin treatment (1 g monodose), consistent with the observed relative resistance of L. iners to azithromycin. Lactobacillus iners–dominated communities have been associated with increased risk of C. trachomatis infection, suggesting that the impact of antibiotic treatment on the vaginal microbiota could favor reinfections. These results provide support for the dual need to account for the potential perturbing effect(s) of antibiotic treatment on the vaginal microbiota, and to develop strategies to protect and restore optimal vaginal microbiota.


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