Exploring the female genital tract mycobiome in young South African women using metaproteomics Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the fungal communities, also known as the mycobiome, in the female genital tract (FGT) of young South African women, using metaproteomics. The research aimed to characterize the diversity of fungi, identify specific fungal genera, and assess their relationship with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other clinical variables, such as STIs, inflammation, and pH. The study also explored how changes in fungal composition were associated with these factors and BV states.
Who was studied?
The study included 123 young South African women, aged 16-22, who were part of the Women’s Initiative in Sexual Health (WISH) study. These women were recruited from a community with a high incidence of HIV and other STIs. Participants provided vaginal swab samples that were analyzed for fungal communities. The women were assessed for BV using Nugent scoring, and the presence of STIs, vaginal pH, and inflammation markers were also considered.
Most important findings
The study revealed that 39 fungal genera were identified, with Candida species being the most abundant. The researchers found a significant difference in fungal community composition between BV states, with Malassezia and Conidiobolus species being more abundant in BV-positive women, while Candida species were more prevalent in BV-negative women. Additionally, the study identified several fungal proteins linked to BV status, such as M. sympodialis, C. albicans, and C. thasaenensis, which were associated with specific biological processes, including glycolysis and histone H4 acetylation. These findings underline the potential functional impact of the fungal community on FGT health and the influence of BV on fungal abundance and activity.
Key implications
The results suggest that the FGT mycobiome plays an essential role in reproductive health, particularly in the context of BV. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of understanding fungal interactions with the bacterial microbiome and their potential role in infections like BV. The study’s use of metaproteomics offers a comprehensive approach to characterizing the fungal microbiome, providing valuable insights into the microbial diversity in the FGT. These findings may guide future research into fungal-bacterial interactions and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting fungal dysbiosis.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
Nugent Score
The Nugent Score is a standardized Gram stain-based scoring system used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) by assessing key bacterial morphotypes in vaginal samples. With its high specificity, it remains a gold standard in microbiome research, though its complexity and need for trained personnel make it less common in routine clinical practice.