scholarly journals Taxonomical and Functional Assessment of the Endometrial Microbiota in A Context of Recurrent Reproductive Failure: A Case Report

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iolanda Garcia-Grau ◽  
David Perez-Villaroya ◽  
Davide Bau ◽  
Marta Gonzalez-Monfort ◽  
Felipe Vilella ◽  
...  

Investigation of the microbial community in the female reproductive tract has revealed that the replacement of a community dominated by Lactobacillus with pathogenic bacteria may be associated with implantation failure or early spontaneous abortion in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Herein we describe taxonomically and functionally the endometrial microbiome of an infertile patient with repeated reproductive failures (involving an ectopic pregnancy and two clinical miscarriages). The microbiological follow-up is presented over 18-month in which the microbiota was evaluated in six endometrial fluid samples. The microbial profile of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed a persistent infection with Gardnerella and other bacterial taxa such as Atopobium and Bifidobacterium. In addition, taxonomic and functional analysis by whole metagenome sequencing in the endometrial fluid sample collected before one clinical miscarriage suggested the presence of multiple Gardnerella vaginalis clades with a greater abundance of clade 4, usually associated with metronidazole resistance. These results revealed a persistent G. vaginalis endometrial colonization presenting genetic features consistent with antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and other virulence factors, which could be related to the reproductive failure observed.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Moreno ◽  
Iolanda Garcia-Grau ◽  
David Perez-Villaroya ◽  
Marta Gonzalez-Monfort ◽  
Mustafa Bahçeci ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious evidence indicates associations between the female reproductive tract microbiome composition and reproductive outcome in infertile patients undergoing assisted reproduction. We aimed to determine whether the endometrial microbiota composition is associated with reproductive outcomes of live birth, biochemical pregnancy, clinical miscarriage, or no pregnancy.MethodsHere we present a multicentre prospective observational study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyse endometrial fluid and biopsy samples before embryo transfer in a cohort of 342 infertile patients asymptomatic for infection undergoing assisted reproductive treatments.ResultsA dysbiotic endometrial microbiota profile composed of Atopobium, Bifidobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Gardnerella, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Neisseria, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus was associated with unsuccessful outcomes. In contrast, Lactobacillus was consistently enriched in patients with live birth outcomes.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that endometrial microbiota composition before embryo transfer is a useful biomarker to predict reproductive outcome, offering an opportunity to further improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.


Microbiome ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Moreno ◽  
Iolanda Garcia-Grau ◽  
David Perez-Villaroya ◽  
Marta Gonzalez-Monfort ◽  
Mustafa Bahçeci ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Previous evidence indicates associations between the female reproductive tract microbiome composition and reproductive outcome in infertile patients undergoing assisted reproduction. We aimed to determine whether the endometrial microbiota composition is associated with reproductive outcomes of live birth, biochemical pregnancy, clinical miscarriage or no pregnancy. Methods Here, we present a multicentre prospective observational study using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyse endometrial fluid and biopsy samples before embryo transfer in a cohort of 342 infertile patients asymptomatic for infection undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. Results A dysbiotic endometrial microbiota profile composed of Atopobium, Bifidobacterium, Chryseobacterium, Gardnerella, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Neisseria, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus was associated with unsuccessful outcomes. In contrast, Lactobacillus was consistently enriched in patients with live birth outcomes. Conclusions Our findings indicate that endometrial microbiota composition before embryo transfer is a useful biomarker to predict reproductive outcome, offering an opportunity to further improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 879
Author(s):  
Stefan G. Buzoianu ◽  
Ava M. Firth ◽  
CallaBria Putrino ◽  
Fabio Vannucci

A healthy microbial community in the gut of piglets is critical to minimize the negative performance consequences associated with dietary and environmental changes that occur at weaning. Tonisity Px, an isotonic protein drink, is a potential alternative to balance the gut microbiota as it contains key ingredients for nourishing the small intestine. In the present study, 16 litters comprising 161 piglets were randomly allocated to a group to which Tonisity Px was provided from days 2 to 8 of age (TPX group) or to a control group, to which no Tonisity Px was provided. The TPX group also received Tonisity Px in the 3 days before and after weaning. At days 9, 17, and 30 of age, fecal and ileum samples were collected from piglets belonging to both groups and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, semiquantitative PCR of Rotavirus serogroups, and semiquantitative Escherichia coli culture. Overall, Tonisity Px increased the abundance of beneficial bacterial populations (Lactobacillus and Bacteroides species) and reduced potentially pathogenic bacterial populations (E. coli and Prevotellaceae), in both the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriharsha Grevich ◽  
Peggy Lee ◽  
Brian Leroux ◽  
Sarah Ringold ◽  
Richard Darveau ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The oral microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis through activation of mucosal immunity. This study tested for associations between oral health, microbial communities and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods A cross-sectional exploratory study of subjects aged 10–18 years with oligoarticular, extended oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA was conducted. Control groups included pediatric dental clinic patients and healthy volunteers. The primary aim was to test for an association between dental health indices and JIA; the secondary aim was to characterize the microbial profile of supragingival plaque using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results The study included 85 patients with JIA, 62 dental patients and 11 healthy child controls. JIA patients overall had significantly more gingival inflammation compared to dental patients, as evidenced by bleeding on probing of the gingiva, the most specific sign of active inflammation (p = 0.02). Overall, however, there was a trend towards better dental hygiene in the JIA patients compared to dental patients, based on indices for plaque, decay, and periodontitis. In the JIA patients, plaque microbiota analysis revealed bacteria belonging to genera Haemophilus or Kingella elevated, and Corynebacterium underrepresented. In poly JIA, bacteria belonging to the genus Porphyromonas was overrepresented and Prevotella was underrepresented. Conclusion Increased gingival inflammation in JIA was independent of general oral health, and thus cannot be attributed to poor dental hygiene secondary to disability. The variation of microbial profile in JIA patients could indicate a possible link between gingivitis and synovial inflammation.


2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (23) ◽  
pp. 8388-8402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Agnès Jacques ◽  
Karine Durand ◽  
Geoffrey Orgeur ◽  
Samuel Balidas ◽  
Céline Fricot ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe genusClavibactercomprises one species and five subspecies of plant-pathogenic bacteria, four of which are classified as quarantine organisms due to the high economic threat they pose.Clavibacter michiganensissubsp.michiganensisis one of the most important pathogens of tomato, but the recommended diagnostic tools are not satisfactory due to false-negative and/or -positive results. To provide a robust analysis of the genetic relatedness among a worldwide collection ofC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensisstrains, relatives (strains from the four otherC. michiganensissubspecies), and nonpathogenicClavibacter-like strains isolated from tomato, we performed multilocus sequence-based analysis and typing (MLSA and MLST) based on six housekeeping genes (atpD,dnaK,gyrB,ppK,recA, andrpoB). We compared this “framework” with phenotypic and genotypic characteristics such as pathogenicity on tomato, reaction to two antisera by immunofluorescence and to five PCR identification tests, and the presence of four genes encoding the mainC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensispathogenicity determinants. We showed thatC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensisis monophyletic and is distinct from its closest taxonomic neighbors. The nonpathogenicClavibacter-like strains were identified asC. michiganensisusing 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These strains, while cross-reacting withC. michiganensissubsp.michiganensisidentification tools, are phylogenetically distinct from the pathogenic strains but belong to theC. michiganensisclade.C. michiganensissubsp.michiganensisclonal complexes linked strains from highly diverse geographical origins and also strains isolated over long periods of time in the same location. This illustrates the importance of seed transmission in the worldwide dispersion of this pathogen and its survival and adaptation abilities in a new environment once introduced.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Samat Amat ◽  
Devin B. Holman ◽  
Kaycie Schmidt ◽  
Ana Clara B. Menezes ◽  
Friederike Baumgaertner ◽  
...  

In the present study, we evaluated whether the nasopharyngeal, ruminal, and vaginal microbiota would diverge (1) in virgin yearling beef heifers (9 months old) due to the maternal restricted gain during the first trimester of gestation; and (2) in pregnant beef heifers in response to the vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplementation during the first 6 months of pregnancy. As a secondary objective, using the microbiota data obtained from these two cohorts of beef heifers managed at the same location and sampled at the same time, we performed a holistic assessment of the microbial ecology residing within the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tract of cattle. Our 16S rRNA gene sequencing results revealed that both α and β-diversity of the nasopharyngeal, ruminal and vaginal microbiota did not differ between virgin heifers raised from dams exposed to either a low gain (targeted average daily gain of 0.28 kg/d, n = 22) or a moderate gain treatment (0.79 kg/d, n = 23) during the first 84 days of gestation. Only in the vaginal microbiota were there relatively abundant genera that were affected by maternal rate of gain during early gestation. Whilst there was no significant difference in community structure and diversity in any of the three microbiota between pregnant heifers received no VTM (n = 15) and VTM supplemented (n = 17) diets, the VTM supplementation resulted in subtle compositional alterations in the nasopharyngeal and ruminal microbiota. Although the nasopharyngeal, ruminal, and vaginal microbiota were clearly distinct, a total of 41 OTUs, including methanogenic archaea, were identified as core taxa shared across the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts of both virgin and pregnant heifers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Liu ◽  
Mingbang Wang ◽  
Weiming Chen ◽  
Jian Ma ◽  
Yi Peng ◽  
...  

Background: The gut is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Changes in the gut microbiota are closely related to the occurrence and development of human diseases, but few studies have focused on taxonomic composition of gut microbiota in septic patients. Knowledge of changes in the gut microbiota is a key issue in intensive care. Clinicians must understand how an altered gut microbiota affects the susceptibility and prognosis of septic patients.Measurements and Main Results: In the single-center case control study, 20 septic patients and 20 healthy children were recruited. The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota was determined via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Gut microbiota diversity in children with sepsis was significantly reduced compared with that in healthy children. The taxonomic composition of gut microbiota can effectively distinguish children with sepsis from healthy children. Thirteen taxa of gut microbiota were significantly increased in the guts of children with sepsis compared with those of healthy children. The increased abundances of Enterococcaceae, Enterococcus, and Enterococcus durans in gut of septic patients were significantly positively correlated with blood inflammation indicators CRP and WBC. The abundances of seven bacteria were significantly decreased in the guts of septic children compared with those of healthy children. The decreased abundance of Bifidobacteriales in gut of septic patients is significantly negatively correlated with blood inflammation index WBC. A machine-learning classifier was built for distinguishing sepsis and achieved the AUC value of 81.25%. It shows that the composition of gut microbiota has certain potential for diagnosis of sepsis.Conclusions: Gut microbiota alterations in septic patients exhibit proliferation of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, the massive reduction of the commensal flora, and the significant decrease in the diversity of the gut microbiota. Dysbiosis may also account for some changes in the inflammation indexes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (01) ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Nazar Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Tariq ◽  
Per Erik Joakim Saris ◽  
Arsalan Zaidi

Introduction: Probiotic and postbiotic potential of thirty-two strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), obtained earlier from artisanal dairy sources in Pakistan, have been investigated against major multi-drug resistant (MDR) and food borne pathogenic bacteria. Methodology: LAB strains were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and their antibacterial activity was assessed by the microdilution method. Four LAB isolates, Weissella confusa PL6, Enterococcus faecium PL7, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii PL11 and PL13 were shortlisted. Their ability to degrade lactose and safety for human consumption in terms of hemolysis and antibiotic susceptibility were assessed in vitro. The antibacterial components in the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of isolate cultures were characterized biochemically by HPLC. Results: Acid neutralization but not protease treatment abolished the antibacterial activity of CFSs. Lactic, acetic and propionic acids were the main acids in the CFSs, and acid production peaked in the stationary phase of growth. The antibacterial activity of the LAB cultures resulted from secretion of organic acids that lowered the pH. The strains exhibited variable ability to degrade lactose and were non-hemolytic and susceptible to the most common antibiotics. Conclusions: These LAB strains are probiotic candidates for further investigation of their postbiotic role in naturally preserving processed foods and for attenuation of lactose intolerance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 135-136
Author(s):  
Rebecca K Poole

Abstract Over the past decade, a multitude of research has sought to understand the complexity and role of the reproductive microbiome as it pertains to fertility. Previously, the reproductive microbiome was evaluated using culture-dependent methods; however, recent advancements in culture-independent, 16S rRNA gene amplicon community sequencing have vastly expanded our understanding of the reproductive tract microbiome. Early sequencing studies sought to compare the vaginal microbiome of cattle to the vaginal microbiome of healthy women, which predominantly consists of bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus and believed to be an indicator of fertility. In the vagina of beef cattle, however, there are incredibly low abundances of Lactobacillus and a greater diversity of bacterial species present. Beta-diversity, which examine differences in bacterial communities between samples, does not appear to differ in the vagina between unbred, open, or pregnant cattle. In postpartum beef cattle just prior to breeding, there are greater levels of diversity and increased bacterial species richness in the vagina compared to the uterus. Research on bacterial species within the uterus have primarily focused on pathogenic bacteria in postpartum cattle diagnosed with uterine disease. Fewer studies have investigated uterine bacterial species in presumed healthy postpartum beef cattle and the subsequent effects on fertility outcomes (e.g., pregnant vs. open at day 30). When evaluating the uterine microbiome during an industry standard estrus synchronization protocol, bacterial community abundance and diversity reduce over time regardless of resulting fertility outcomes. The greatest difference in uterine bacterial abundance between resulting pregnant and non-pregnant cattle appears to occur just prior to breeding. Numerous mechanisms could be contributing to the fluctuations in the uterine microbiome in beef cattle including circulating hormone concentrations or local immunoregulation. This presentation will focus on recent research investigating potential mechanisms that may alter the reproductive microbiome and ultimately impact fertility.


2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (37) ◽  
pp. 9966-9971 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Callahan ◽  
Daniel B. DiGiulio ◽  
Daniela S. Aliaga Goltsman ◽  
Christine L. Sun ◽  
Elizabeth K. Costello ◽  
...  

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have suggested that the maternal vaginal microbiota contributes to the pathophysiology of PTB, but conflicting results in recent years have raised doubts. We conducted a study of PTB compared with term birth in two cohorts of pregnant women: one predominantly Caucasian (n = 39) at low risk for PTB, the second predominantly African American and at high-risk (n = 96). We profiled the taxonomic composition of 2,179 vaginal swabs collected prospectively and weekly during gestation using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Previously proposed associations between PTB and lower Lactobacillus and higher Gardnerella abundances replicated in the low-risk cohort, but not in the high-risk cohort. High-resolution bioinformatics enabled taxonomic assignment to the species and subspecies levels, revealing that Lactobacillus crispatus was associated with low risk of PTB in both cohorts, while Lactobacillus iners was not, and that a subspecies clade of Gardnerella vaginalis explained the genus association with PTB. Patterns of cooccurrence between L. crispatus and Gardnerella were highly exclusive, while Gardnerella and L. iners often coexisted at high frequencies. We argue that the vaginal microbiota is better represented by the quantitative frequencies of these key taxa than by classifying communities into five community state types. Our findings extend and corroborate the association between the vaginal microbiota and PTB, demonstrate the benefits of high-resolution statistical bioinformatics in clinical microbiome studies, and suggest that previous conflicting results may reflect the different risk profile of women of black race.


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