Vaginal Isolates Research Articles

Luliconazole, a new antifungal against Candida species isolated from different sources

Luliconazole is an inhibitor for sterol 14-α-demethylase in fungal cells with a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against dermatophytes, Candida albicans, Malassezia species, dematiaceous and hyaline hyphomycetes. Furthermore, luliconazole has been clinically used for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, dermatophytosis, onychomycosis, cutaneous and mucocutaneous candidiasis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of luliconazole against several strains of Candida species recovered from different clinical materials. In the present study, 104 strains of Candida species including, 34 isolates from vaginitis, 23 isolates from AIDS patients with vaginal candidiasis, 24 isolates from neutropenic patients and 24 isolates from tracheal tubes, were examined for susceptibility tests. A serial dilution of luliconazole (4-0.008μg/mL) was tested against different strains of Candida species recovered from different sources. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range and MIC90 of vaginal isolates (HIV-) were 1-0.063 and 1μg/mL. Furthermore, the most of strains (50%) had a MIC of 0.5μg/mL. The MIC ranges were similar (2-0.016μg/mL) for both vaginal (HIV+) and neutropenic patients isolates, whereas, MIC90 for them were 0.5 and 1μg/mL, respectively. All tracheal tubes strains were inhibited at the range of 2-0.008μg/mL with MIC90=1μg/mL. Totally, the lowest MIC50 (MIC=0.015μg/mL), MIC90 (MIC=1μg/mL) and MICGM (MIC=0.05μg/mL) are correlated to C.glabrata, a non-albicans species. It is concluded that, luliconazole could be an alternative anti-Candida agent, however, in vivo studies must be confirmed usefulness of drug for clinical usage.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of the Designed NK95 Peptide on Expression of SAP4-SAP6 Genes of Candida albicans in Comparison with Caspofungin

Background: Candida albicans is the most common pathogen in patients with vulvovaginitis. Secretory aspartyl proteinases (SAPs) are potential factors in the virulence of C. albicans. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are recognized as a promising antimicrobial group of drugs with a membrane degradation mechanism. Occurrence of resistance to these drugs is quite rare. The impact of rapid membrane degradation on AMPs is relative to the prevention or delay in drug resistance mechanisms in different microbes. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the inhibitory effects of the designed NK95 peptide and caspofungin on expression of SAP4-SAP6 genes from clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans . Methods: In this experimental study, samples were collected from 350 women, who were suspected of vulvovaginal candidiasis and were referred to Zahedan gynecology clinics during 6 months. The clinical specimens were cultured in Sabouraud glucose agar (SGA). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify the vaginal isolates of C. albicans. Afterwards, the NK95 peptide was designed and synthesized. Drug susceptibility test was carried out at different concentrations of NK95 peptide and caspofungin. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative Real-time PCR were performed on the clinical isolates before and after treatment with the designed peptide and caspofungin. Results: Based on the findings of this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90), MIC50, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of C. albicans isolates were 62.5, 31.25, and 125 μg/mL for the designed peptide, respectively. The SAP4 (45%), SAP5 (85%), and SAP6 (73%) genes expressions significantly reduced at 48 hours after treatment with the designed peptide (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings showed that the designed NK95 peptide has antifungal effects on the clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans. Moreover, it has potential down-regulating on expression of SAP4, SAP5 and SAP6 genes.

Chemical composition and antifungal potential of Iranian propolis against Candida krusei strains

Propolis is known to have biological properties against numerous microorganisms of clinical interest. This is important, because all Candida krusei (C. krusei) isolates are resistant to azole drugs. The aims of this study were to determine the chemical composition and antifungal efficacy of Iranian propolis against C. krusei strains isolated from patients with cutaneous and mucosal candidiasis. Ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) was prepared from propolis originating from Mazandaran province, and submitted to chemical analysis by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Additionally, the EEP was tested for its ability to inhibit yeasts by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) using broth microdilution method (M27-A3 protocol) with some modifications. Phenolic acids (78.2%) were the major components of Iranian propolis. The EEP exhibited MIC values ranging from 2 to 20 mg/ml and MFC values between 4 and 25 mg/ml. The most fungal susceptibility was associated with the nail isolates (mean MIC value: 7.8 mg/ml), followed by the oral isolates (mean MIC value: 9.7 mg/ml) and vaginal isolates (mean MIC value: 11.7 mg/ml). The results showed that Iranian propolis has strong anti-C. krusei activity and should be considered as a promising candidate to treat nail, oral and vaginal candidiasis.

Characterization of virulence factors of vaginal and anal isolates of Candida albicans sequentially obtained from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis in north-east Brazil

In order to better understand the pathogenesis of VVC, focusing on the role of C. albicans virulence factors in triggering this infirmity; we evaluated four virulence factors of 62 clinical isolates of C. albicans sequentially obtained from the vagina and anus of patients with sporadic and recurrent VVC. Virulence factors were phenotypically evaluated in vitro, including: adhesion capacity to epithelial cells obtained from healthy individuals, morphogenesis in the presence of fetal bovine serum, biofilm formation in polystyrene microtiter plates and proteinase activity using bovine serum albumin. Colonizing anal isolates were as able as infecting vaginal isolates to express the virulence factors evaluated in vitro. It was observed an association between the expression of virulence factors studied and the signs and symptoms of VVC presented by the patients. No statistically significant difference was observed in the expression of virulence factors between vaginal isolates of C. albicans obtained from patients with sporadic VVC and those obtained from patients with recurrent VVC. Our results suggest that the ability to express virulence factors is important for the pathogenesis of VVC, but it seems not to be crucial for the transition from colonization to infection.

Cell damage caused by vaginal Candida albicans isolates from women with different symptomatologies.

The present study aimed to characterize cell damage caused by vaginal Candida albicans isolates from women with different symptomatologies. It was evaluated 12 clinical isolates of C. albicans from vaginal samples: 4 from asymptomatic women (AS), 4 from women with a single episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and 4 from women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). We evaluated the ability of C. albicans to adhere to human cervical cancer cells (SiHa), the yeast-SiHa cell interactions and cell damage. All of the clinical isolates presented a high adhesion capacity on SiHa cells. However, clinical isolates from symptomatic women (VVC and RVVC) had higher filamentation after contact (24 h) with SiHa cells and a greater capacity to cause cell damage (>80 %). Clinical isolates from symptomatic women had greater potential to invade SiHa cells, suggesting that they are more pathogenic than AS isolates.

Stratum corneum lipid liposome-encapsulated panomycocin: preparation, characterization, and the determination of antimycotic efficacy against Candida spp. isolated from patients with vulvovaginitis in an in vitro human vaginal epithelium tissue model.

In this study, a liposomal lyophilized powder formulation of panomycocin was developed for therapeutic purposes against vulvovaginal candidiasis which affects 80% of women worldwide. Panomycocin is a potent antimycotic protein secreted by the yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus NCYC 434. This study involved the preparation of panomycocin-loaded stratum corneum lipid liposomes (SCLLs), characterization of the SCLLs, and determination of antimycotic efficacy of the formulation against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata clinical vaginal isolates in a human vaginal epithelium tissue model. The encapsulation and loading efficiencies of SCLLs were 73% and 76.8%, respectively. In transmission electron microscopy images, the SCLLs appeared in the submicron size range. Dynamic light scattering analyses showed that the SCLLs had uniform size distribution. Zeta potential measurements revealed stable and positively charged SCLLs. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, no irreversible interactions between the encapsulated panomycocin and the SCLLs were detected. The SCLLs retained >98% of encapsulated panomycocin in aqueous solution up to 12 hours. The formulation was fungicidal at the same minimum fungicidal concentration values for non-formulated pure panomycocin when tested on an in vitro model of vaginal candidiasis. This is the first study in which SCLLs and a protein as an active ingredient have been utilized together in a formulation. The results obtained in this study led us to conduct further preclinical trials of this formulation for the development of an effective topical anti-candidal drug with improved safety.

Assessment of phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal Lactobacillus sp.

To assess antibiotic susceptibility of vaginal lactobacilli strains and provide the data required for assessing the potential of antibiotic resistance risk of new strains selected as probiotic. Potential probiotic vaginal lactobacilli used in the study included 31 vaginal strains of Lactobacillus crispatus (n=27), Lactobacillus gasseri (n=3) and Lactobacillus jensenii (n=1) obtained from the collection of Competence Centre on Health Technologies. Two commercial probiotic strains were used as controls (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14). The phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistances of the strains were determined by E-test and PCR methods. The location (chromosomal DNA or plasmid) of antibiotic resistance genes was also detected. All lactobacilli strains expressed high level of resistance to kanamycin, metronidazole, norfloxacin and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. Some of the strains also expressed resistance to other antibiotics (chloramphenicol, vancomycin) indicating acquired resistance. I class integrons were found in 20% (6/31) of the strains. The RPP (ribosomal protection protein) gene was found to be positive in 30% (9/31) of the strains. Only one L. jensenii strain was determined with tet(M) gene. The tet(K) gene was positive in 26·7% (8/31) and erm(B) gene in 43·3% (13/31) of strains. Three RPP and both four tet(K) and erm(B) genes were located in plasmids. High antibiotic resistance to clinically important antibiotics was demonstrated, including metronidazole, sulphonamides, aminoglycoside and quinolones. In addition, acquired tetracycline and erythromycin resistance genes were detected in either plasmid or chromosomal DNA of certain isolates, in some of the cases for the first time in the literature. It appears that antibiotic resistance genes erm(B) and tet(K) are widely spread in vaginal lactobacilli. This study provides new data about antimicrobial resistance and genotypic diversity of vaginal Lactobacillus isolates. In addition, it provides data assessing the potential of antibiotic resistance risk of new strains selected as probiotic.

Emergence of Candida glabrata in vulvovaginal candidiasis should be attributed to selective pressure or virulence ability?

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most frequent female genital disorders and Candida glabrata is the second most common agent. Current study was aimed to study the susceptibility to antifungal agents of C. glabrata isolated from vaginal samples and some virulence attributes in order to better understand why this species is emerging as the main VVC agents. A total of 60 C. glabrata vaginal isolates were included in this study. Firstly they were screened by susceptibility tests to antifungal agents. The isolates that showed sensitivity or resistance to fluconazole were evaluated for their virulence potential, including ability to adhere to polystyrene and vaginal ring, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and capacity to form biofilm. Candida glabrata isolates varied significantly in adherence capacity, biofilm formation and CSH. However, it was possible to observe that isolates resistant to fluconazole adhered more efficiently to the vaginal ring and were statistically more able to form biofilm. These results allow hypothesizing that C. glabrata is an emergent agent in VVC probably because the treatment with fluconazole selects this species. But once adhered, yeasts remain on biotic or abiotic surfaces causing colonization or VVC symptomatology.

Anti-candidal Activity and Chemical Composition of Essential Oil of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

The essential oil of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) obtained by hydro-distillation (0.65%) was subjected to anti-candidal activity against vaginal and blood isolates of Candida albicans. Further the clove essential oil was analysed for its chemical components by GC-MS. Clove essential oil rendered the growth of all isolates of C. albicans, while most of isolates were resistant to flucanozole antibiotic. The inhibition of vaginal isolates of C. albicans by clove essential oil was found to be directly proportional to its concentration. Significant reduction in the growth of all isolates of C. albicans was observed at absolute concentration of clove essential oil as compared to the positive control (P≤0.05). The MIC and MFC values (1.25 μl/ml and 2.5 μl/ml respectively) was recorded for all C. albicans isolates except isolate no. 9, which had higher MIC (2.5 μl/ ml) and MFC (5.0 μl/ml) values than other. Clove essential oil also inhibited budding; it ranged from 23.7 to 42.9%. Results revealed that the clove essential oil completely inhibited the germ tube formation of isolates 1, 2 and 8 at 1/2 MIC, for rest the inhibition ranged from 7.7 to 3.2%. The GC-MS analysis of clove essential oil shows presence of five chemical components with eugenol (74.6%) as the major component. Other components were chavibetol (19.7%), caryophyllene (3.5%), trisiloxane,1,1,1,5,5,5-hexamethyl-3,3-bis [(trimethylsilyl)oxy] (1.7%) and caryophyllene oxide (0.5%). The results clearly showed that clove essential oil was more effective than the antimycotic synthetic antibiotic fluocanazol. Thus it can be explored further for the management C. albicans infections.

The efficacy of gaseous ozone against different forms of Candida albicans

Background and Purpose:Ozone is an inorganic molecule with effective antimicrobial properties. Clinical treatment of ozonated water was used for the elimination of Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, endotoxins, and biofilms from root canals. In addition, its therapeutic effects for tinea pedis, ulcers, and leishmaniasis were investigated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the fungicidal effects of ozone on different forms of C. albicans. In addition, antifungal susceptibility profile of strains was assessed before and after exposure to ozone.Materials and Methods:Fifty strains of C. albicans were exposed to gaseous ozone at different times. Furthermore, biofilm formation and germ tube production were evaluated when yeast suspensions were exposed to ozone. In addition, antifungal susceptibility of ozone resistant colonies was investiagted as compared to controls.Results:Ozone was highly effective in killing C. albicans in yeast form and inhibition of germ tube formation during 210 and 180 s, respectively. Although with increasing exposure time biofilm production was considerably decreased, resistance to ozone was much higher among vaginal and nail isolates even after 60 min. All the strains were sensitive to fluconazole, caspofungin, and terbinafine pre- and post-ozone exposure. Resistance to amphotericin B was significantly enhanced after exposure to ozone.Conclusion:Although ozone was highly effective on the yeast form of C. albicans and it can inhibit the formation of germ tubes in C. albicans, the complete removal of biofilms did not happen even after 60 min. It seems that ozone therapy induces resistance to amphotericin B.

The efficacy of gaseous ozone against different forms of Candida albicans.

Ozone is an inorganic molecule with effective antimicrobial properties. Clinical treatment of ozonated water was used for the elimination of Candidaalbicans, Enterococcus faecalis, endotoxins, and biofilms from root canals. In addition, its therapeutic effects for tinea pedis, ulcers, and leishmaniasis were investigated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the fungicidal effects of ozone on different forms of C. albicans. In addition, antifungal susceptibility profile of strains was assessed before and after exposure to ozone. Fifty strains of C. albicans were exposed to gaseous ozone at different times. Furthermore, biofilm formation and germ tube production were evaluated when yeast suspensions were exposed to ozone. In addition, antifungal susceptibility of ozone resistant colonies was investiagted as compared to controls. Ozone was highly effective in killing C.albicans in yeast form and inhibition of germ tube formation during 210 and 180 s, respectively. Although with increasing exposure time biofilm production was considerably decreased, resistance to ozone was much higher among vaginal and nail isolates even after 60 min. All the strains were sensitive to fluconazole, caspofungin, and terbinafine pre- and post-ozone exposure. Resistance to amphotericin B was significantly enhanced after exposure to ozone. Although ozone was highly effective on the yeast form of C.albicans and it can inhibit the formation of germ tubes in C.albicans, the complete removal of biofilms did not happen even after 60 min. It seems that ozone therapy induces resistance to amphotericin B.

Quantification, isolation and characterization of Bifidobacterium from the vaginal microbiomes of reproductive aged women

The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in women's reproductive health. Imbalances in this microbiota, such as the poorly defined condition of bacterial vaginosis, are associated with increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and negative reproductive outcomes. Currently, a “healthy” vaginal microbiota in reproductive aged women is understood to be dominated by Lactobacillus, although “atypical” microbiomes, such as Bifidobacterium-dominated profiles, have been described. Despite these observations, vaginal bifidobacteria remain relatively poorly characterized, and questions remain regarding their actual abundance in the microbiome. In this study, we used quantitative PCR to confirm the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium in the vaginal microbiomes of healthy reproductive aged women (n = 42), previously determined by deep sequencing. We also isolated and phenotypically characterized vaginal bifidobacteria (n = 40) in the context of features thought to promote reproductive health. Most isolates were identified as B. breve or B. longum based on cpn60 barcode sequencing. Fermentation patterns of vaginal bifidobacteria did not differ substantially from corresponding type strains of gut or oral origin. Lactic acid was produced by all vaginal isolates, with B. longum strains producing the highest levels, but only 32% of isolates produced hydrogen peroxide. Most vaginal bifidobacteria were also able to tolerate high levels of lactic acid (100 mM) and low pH (4.5 or 3.9), conditions typical of vaginal fluid of healthy women. Most isolates were resistant to metronidazole but susceptible to clindamycin, the two most common antibiotics used to treat vaginal dysbiosis. These findings demonstrate that Bifidobacterium is the dominant member of some vaginal microbiomes and suggest that bifidobacteria have the potential to be as protective as lactobacilli according to the current understanding of a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Susceptibility of bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria to secnidazole compared to metronidazole, tinidazole and clindamycin

Secnidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole with a longer half-life, is structurally related to metronidazole and tinidazole. For treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV), secnidazole is a suitable single-dose oral drug having a longer serum half-life than metronidazole. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of vaginal isolates of facultative and anaerobic bacteria to secnidazole, metronidazole, tinidazole and clindamycin.A total of 605 unique BV-related bacteria and 108 isolates of lactobacilli recovered from the human vagina of US women during the years 2009–2015 were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by the agar dilution CLSI reference method to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC).The MIC90 (μg/mL) for secnidazole was similar to metronidazole and tinidazole for Anaerococcus tetradius (secnidazole: MIC90 2; metronidazole: MIC90 2; tinidazole: MIC90 4), Atopobium vaginae (32; >128; 128), Bacteroides species (2; 2; 2), Finegoldia magna (2; 2; 4), Gardnerella vaginalis (128; 64; 32), Mageeibacillus indolicus (2; 2; 2), Megasphaera-like bacteria (0.5; 0.25; 0.5), Mobiluncus curtisii (128; >128; >128) and Mobiluncus mulieris (>128; >128; >128), Peptoniphilus lacrimalis (4; 4; 4) and Peptoniphilus harei (2; 2; 4), Porphyromonas species (0.25; 0.5; 0.25), Prevotella bivia (8; 8; 8), Prevotella amnii (2; 1; 2) and Prevotella timonensis (2; 2; 2). In this evaluation, 14 (40%) of 35 P. bivia, 5 (14%) of 35 P. amnii and 21 (58%) of 36 P. timonensis isolates were resistant to clindamycin with MIC values of >128 μg/mL. Secnidazole, like metronidazole, was superior to clindamycin for Prevotella spp., Bacteroides spp., Peptoniphilus spp., Anaerococcus tetradius and Finegoldia magna. Clindamycin had greater activity against Atopobium vaginae, Gardnerella vaginalis and Mobiluncus spp. compared to the nitroimidazoles. All 27 Lactobacillus crispatus, 26 (96%) of 27 L. jensenii, 5 (19%) of 27 L. gasseri and 18 (67%) of 27 L. iners isolates were susceptible to clindamycin (MIC ≤2) while the MIC90 for all lactobacilli tested was >128 μg/mL for secnidazole, metronidazole and tinidazole.Secnidazole has similar in vitro activity against the range of microorganisms associated with BV compared to metronidazole or tinidazole. Further, secnidazole spares lactobacilli, a characteristic which is desirable in drugs used to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Antimicrobial Compounds Produced by Vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus Are Able to Strongly Inhibit Candida albicans Growth, Hyphal Formation and Regulate Virulence-related Gene Expressions.

The female vaginal environment contains diverse microorganisms, and their interactions play significant roles in health and disease. Lactobacillus species are the predominant vaginal microorganisms in healthy women and relevant as a barrier to defense against pathogens, including Candida albicans. The yeast-to-hyphae transition is believed to be a determinant of C. albicans pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of vaginal isolates of L. crispatus (seven strains), L. gasseri (six strains), and L. jensenii (five strains) on growth, hyphal formation and virulence-related genes expression of C. albicans ATCC 10231. We found that the L. crispatus showed the most significant antimicrobial activities in microplate-based liquid medium assay (P < 0.05). All seven cell-free supernatants (CFS) from L. crispatus strains reduced the growth of C. albicans by >60%. The effects might be due to their productions of some secretory antimicrobial compounds in addition to H2O2 and organic acids. Furthermore, each of the CFS of Lactobacillus strains was found to significantly suppress the yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans under hyphae-inducing conditions (RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum). The hyphae inhibition rates of C. albicans treated by CFS from L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii were 88.3 ± 3.02%, 84.9 ± 6.0%, and 81.9 ± 6.2%, respectively. Moreover, the expression of hyphae-specific genes (ALS3, HWP1, ECE1, EAP1, and SAP5) and transcriptional regulatory genes (EFG1, TEC1, and NRG1) were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The results demonstrated that L. crispatus CFS significantly down-regulated the expression of hyphae-specific genes ALS3 (0.140-fold)), HWP1 (0.075-fold), and ECE1 (0.045-fold), while up-regulated the expression of the negative transcriptional regulator gene NRG1 with 1.911-fold. The antimicrobial compounds from L. crispatus B145 against Candida growth were heat stable and protease resistance, but those against hyphal formation were partially sensitive to the same treatments. Our novel findings suggest that L. crispatus, a dominant Lactobacillus species associated with a healthy vagina, could strongly inhibit C. albicans growth and hyphal formation. L. crispatus might repress the expression of hyphae-specific genes (ALS3, HWP1, and ECE1) in a NRG1-dependent manner. Besides, L. crispatus B145 is highly worthwhile for probiotic investigation.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antifungal Susceptibility of Vulvovaginal Candadiasis among Saudi Females

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is the most common fungal disease in normal healthy women. Understanding of the antifungal susceptibility patterns of pathogenic fungi is essential as resistance of some vaginal yeasts isolates to antifungal agents has been reported. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of VVC, associated risk factors and evaluate antifungal susceptibility and species (spp.) distribution in Saudi patients. Methodology: High vaginal swabs were collected from all patients suffering from vaginitis. Different Candida spp. were identified by Gram stain, germ tube test, growth on CHROM agar and API 20C AUX. Antifungal susceptibility test was done by disk diffusion method. Results: VVC represented 23.5%. Out of these patients 11% had recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). C. albicans represented 82% whereas non albicans spp. represented 18%. In RVVC C. albicans represented 43% and non albicans spp. represented 57%. VVC was significantly presented with pruritus and associated with pregnancy, diabetes and age group from 30 to 39 year. RVVC was significantly presented with dysuria and/ or dysparonia. All isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B, while 94% were sensitive to nystatin. Over all sensitivity to fluconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole and miconazole was 79.5%, 86%, 96.5% and 83% respectively. Conclusion: VVC prevalence represented 23.5% whereas RVVC was 11%.C. albicans is associated with VVC, whereas non albicans spp are associated with RVVC. Diabetes, pregnancy and age group (30 – 39) are considered as potential risk factors for VVC whereas antibiotics and contraceptive pills are not. Nystatin, amphotericin B and ketoconazole have the best antifungal activity against all spp.

High mannose-specific lectin Msl mediates key interactions of the vaginal Lactobacillus plantarum isolate CMPG5300.

To characterize the interaction potential of the human vaginal isolate Lactobacillus plantarum CMPG5300, its genome was mined for genes encoding lectin-like proteins. cmpg5300.05_29 was identified as the gene encoding a putative mannose-binding lectin. Phenotypic analysis of a gene knock-out mutant of cmpg5300.05_29 showed that expression of this gene is important for auto-aggregation, adhesion to the vaginal epithelial cells, biofilm formation and binding to mannosylated glycans. Purification of the predicted lectin domain of Cmpg5300.05_29 and characterization of its sugar binding capacity confirmed the specificity of the lectin for high- mannose glycans. Therefore, we renamed Cmpg5300.05_29 as a mannose-specific lectin (Msl). The purified lectin domain of Msl could efficiently bind to HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 and Candida albicans, and showed an inhibitory activity against biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium. Thus, using a combination of molecular lectin characterization and functional assays, we could show that lectin-sugar interactions play a key role in host and pathogen interactions of a prototype isolate of the vaginal Lactobacillus microbiota.

Genome Sequences of Nine Gram-Negative Vaginal Bacterial Isolates.

The vagina is home to a wide variety of bacteria that have great potential to impact human health. Here, we announce reference strains (now available through BEI Resources) and draft genome sequences for 9 Gram-negative vaginal isolates from the taxa Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Fusobacterium, Proteus, and Prevotella.

Genome Sequences of 14 Firmicutes Strains Isolated from the Human Vagina.

Research on vaginal infections is currently limited by a lack of available fully sequenced bacterial reference strains. Here, we present strains (now available through BEI Resources) and genome sequences for a set of 14 vaginal isolates from the phylum Firmicutes. These genome sequences provide a valuable resource for future research in understanding the role of Gram-positive bacteria in vaginal health and disease.

Analysis of clinical and microbiological indicators of vulvovaginal candidiasis

ABSTRACTVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common vaginal infection. It is considered to be the reason for 15%–30% of all vulvovaginal symptoms. A diagnosis based only on clinical signs and/or on a syndrome-based approach, recommended by some authors and health institutions, is in many cases incorrect. There is no indisputable diagnostic method that guarantees high specificity, sensitivity and predictive value. There is no pathognomonic clinical feature of VVC. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of selected clinical and mycological indicators in the diagnosis of VVC using the standard complex scoring system. The research is retrospective and was conducted in several stages to give a more precise and detailed assessment of the examined clinical and microbiological indicators. Clinical, microbiological and statistical methods were used. The results showed the lowest level of compliance between clinical and laboratory diagnosis in VVC: 67.65%. We did not observe a statistically significant relation between the density of the vaginal smear, inflammation, odour test and VVC (p > 0.05). The results showed a moderate association between the positive yellow swab test and VVC (p < 0.05). A significant positive association was established between VVC and presence of microscopic signs of invasiveness (p < 0.001). The most common isolate was Candida albicans: 72.81% of all vaginal Candida isolates.

Technological and Probiotic Traits of the Lactobacilli Isolated From Vaginal Tract of the Healthy Women for Probiotic Use.

Background For biotechnological application, selected lactic acid bacteria strains belonging to the genera Lactobacillus (Lb) are proposed as an alternative to the antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of urogenital tract infections. Objectives Isolating and selecting vaginal lactobacilli strains for probiotic use based on their technological and probiotic aptitudes. Materials and Methods The vaginal isolates were examined for their essential characteristics as the potential probiotic such as low pH tolerance, bile-salt and simulated human intestinal fluid (SIF) resistance, adhesion to the vaginal epithelial cells (VECs), aggregation and coaggregation, surface hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, acid production, antibiotic resistance, and resistance to spermicides. The best strain was identified by PCR. Results From 70 lactobacilli isolates and according to the 16 rDNA sequences, isolates B6 and B10 showed the closest homology (99%) to the Lb. gasseri and Lb. plantarum respectively. They produced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tolerant to acid, bile, simulated human intestinal fluid, present a strong adhesion, highest percentages of aggregation, and antibacterial activity. These strains are resistant to the spermicide and actively acidify the growth medium. Conclusions Strains Lb. plantarum B10 and Lb. gasseri B6 have a strong potential probiotic confirming their value as a tool for prevention against urinary and vaginal infections.