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Molecular Research in Bacterial Vaginosis

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2025 | Viewed by 5265

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Medical Microbiology, D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia
2. Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg 194100, Russia
Interests: medical microbiology; diagnosis of urogenital infections; molecular diagnostics; biofilms; bacterial vaginosis; infections in obstetrics and gynecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common and often recurrent disease. It is a polymicrobial disease, but the main causative agent is Gardnerella vaginalis. Molecular studies have shown genetic heterogeneity and taxonomic diversity within the genus Gardnerella. At least 13 distinct groups were found, and they were classified as separate species within the taxon formerly known as G. vaginalis. These Gardnerella species are closely related genetically; only some of them (pathogenic) can be associated with BV, and non-pathogenic species are found in healthy women. Thanks to the methods of PCR, hybridization and sequencing, it has become possible to quantitatively detect and accurately identify bacteria, including those associated with BV.

Combining the efforts of the scientific community in the search for genetic markers of recurrent forms of BV using molecular research methods will allow us to understand the frequent recurrence of BV as well as determine the composition of biofilms formed by G. vaginalis and BV-associated microorganisms. In this Special Issue, we want to demonstrate the huge potential of research in the field of molecular studies of BV.

Prof. Dr. Alevtina M. Savicheva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bacterial vaginosis
  • biofilms
  • genital infections
  • molecular diagnostics
  • recurrent bacterial vaginosis
  • molecular research
  • Gardnerella vaginalis
  • sequencing
  • hybridization methods

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1555 KiB  
Article
Vaginal Microbiota Molecular Profiling in Women with Bacterial Vaginosis: A Novel Diagnostic Tool
by Alevtina M. Savicheva, Anna A. Krysanova, Olga V. Budilovskaya, Elena V. Spasibova, Tatiana A. Khusnutdinova, Kira V. Shalepo, Natalia R. Beliaeva, Galina Kh. Safarian, Kirill V. Sapozhnikov, Natalya I. Tapilskaya and Igor Yu. Kogan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(21), 15880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115880 - 1 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2458
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a most common microbiological syndrome. Multiplex next-generation sequencing (NGS) or molecular tests allow a complete and accurate vaginal microbiota profiling in order to determine the primary causative agent. Due to the high costs and limited availability of NGS, the [...] Read more.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a most common microbiological syndrome. Multiplex next-generation sequencing (NGS) or molecular tests allow a complete and accurate vaginal microbiota profiling in order to determine the primary causative agent. Due to the high costs and limited availability of NGS, the multiplex real-time PCR draws more attention. The present study aimed to evaluate the microbial composition and dominant lactobacilli species in non-pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis using a multiplex RT-PCR test and determine its diagnostic significance. In total, 331 women complaining of vaginal discharge were included. BV was confirmed upon clinical examination and Nugent criteria. A real-time PCR test was carried out with a new Femoflor test, which identifies opportunistic bacteria, STD pathogens, and some viruses. According to the results, the rate of lactobacilli is significantly reduced in BV-affected patients when compared to healthy women. Moreover, the rate of L. crispatus significantly decreases, while the rate of L. iners remains high. Among obligate anaerobic bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis was the most prevalent in women with BV. The Femoflor test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing BV. Moreover, the test allows the identification of infection in women with intermediate vaginal microbiota, as well as STD pathogens, and viruses. Thus, the application of real-time PCR tests can be effectively used in vaginal microbiota evaluation in women with BV, intermediate vaginal microbiota, and healthy women. In addition, this test may be used as an alternative to the Amsel criteria and Nugent scoring method in diagnosing BV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Bacterial Vaginosis)
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Review

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12 pages, 253 KiB  
Review
Molecular Testing for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis
by Alevtina M. Savicheva
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010449 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2430
Abstract
Previously established diagnostic approaches for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), such as the Amsel criteria or the Nugent scoring system, do not always correspond to modern trends in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of polymicrobial conditions. Inter-examiner variability and interpretation of data [...] Read more.
Previously established diagnostic approaches for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), such as the Amsel criteria or the Nugent scoring system, do not always correspond to modern trends in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of polymicrobial conditions. Inter-examiner variability and interpretation of data complicate the wet mount microscopy method. Gram staining of smears does not always provide reliable information regarding bacterial taxa, biofilms, or vaginal dysbiosis. Therefore, the introduction of molecular techniques into clinical practice is extremely relevant. Molecular approaches allow not only the diagnosis of BV but also provide an assessment of microbial composition, which is especially important in the differential diagnosis of vaginal infections. The current review represents an expert opinion on BV diagnosis and is based on extensive experience in the field of vaginal infection diagnosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Bacterial Vaginosis)
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