Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in the United States, with an estimated prevalence of 30%. It is associated with adverse outcomes including preterm birth, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. BV represents a shift in the vaginal microbiota from Lactobacillus-predominate species to facultative (Gardnerella vaginalis; GV) and strict anaerobic bacteria. BV is very common among women who have sex with women (WSW) and it is hypothesized to be an STI. However, the pathogenesis of BV remains unclear. It remains controversial as to whether BV results from acquisition of GV as the founder organism which subsequently leads to the complex changes in the vaginal microbiota associated with BV, whether BV is transmitted as a polymicrobial consortium, [or whether BV is caused by behavior factors influencing the vaginal microbiota]. GV, as a facultative anaerobe, may be able to tolerate the high oxidation-reduction (redox) potential of a healthy vaginal microbiome, unlike strict anaerobes (i.e. other BV-associated bacteria: BVAB). Similar to facultative anaerobes involved in the initiation of oral disease, it is possible that GV creates a lower redox potential in the vaginal microbiome which causes a marked decrease in lactobacilli and an increase in other BVAB (which may normally be present in very low concentrations), leading to the BV syndrome. WSW, [particularly African American WSW (AAWSW), are a unique population in which to study BV pathogenesis as there is no male equivalent to this infection and African American race is a risk factor for BV]. I hypothesize that sexual exposure to GV among AAWSW is the inciting event leading to the complex vaginal flora associated with BV. To test this hypothesis, I propose the following independent but inter-related aims. [Aim1: Use cultivation-independent molecular methods to determine the sequence of microbiological events culminating in BV among sexually active AAWSW. I hypothesize that the appearance of GV and its relative abundance will increase in women with incident BV prior to increases in the abundance of other BVAB.] [Aim 2: Determine if specific GV oligotypes are associated with the development of BV among sexually active AAWSW. I hypothesize that GV oligotypes differ in their pathogenic potential with regards to the development of BV given the conflicting observation that GV can be present in both normal women and women with BV.] This mentored, patient oriented research career development award and research aims are designed to provide me with advanced training in cultivation-independent molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics techniques, clinical microbiology, and the fundamentals of clinical research. The opportunities created by this award will allow me to become an independent translational research investigator with the skills necessary to ethically and accurately answer important scientific questions related to BV pathogenesis. Determining the exact causative agent(s) of BV is vital for the appropriate treatment and prevention of adverse outcomes.

Public Health Relevance

This application focuses on the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection, among [African American] women who have sex with women (AAWSW). I hypothesize that sexual exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is the inciting event leading to the complex vaginal flora associated with BV. [To test this hypothesis, I will use 454 pyrosequencing to determine the sequence of microbiological events culminating in BV among sexually active AAWSW. I will also determine whether specific GV oligotypes are associated with the development of BV as GV oligotypes may differ in their pathogenic potential.]

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23AI106957-03
Application #
9067289
Study Section
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases B Subcommittee (MID)
Program Officer
Turpin, Delmyra B
Project Start
2014-06-01
Project End
2019-05-31
Budget Start
2016-06-01
Budget End
2017-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
063690705
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Muzny, Christina A; Blanchard, Eugene; Taylor, Christopher M et al. (2018) Identification of Key Bacteria Involved in the Induction of Incident Bacterial Vaginosis: A Prospective Study. J Infect Dis 218:966-978
Eaton, Ellen F; Joe, Winston; Kilgore, Meredith L et al. (2018) Reverse syphilis screening algorithm fails to demonstrate cost effectiveness in persons living with HIV. Int J STD AIDS 29:563-567
Eaton, Ellen F; Hudak, Kathryn; Muzny, Christina A (2017) Budgetary Impact of Compliance With STI Screening Guidelines in Persons Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 74:303-308
Backus, Kandis Vechelle; Muzny, Christina A; Beauchamps, Laura S (2017) Trichomonas vaginalis Treated With Boric Acid in a Metronidazole Allergic Female. Sex Transm Dis 44:120
Muzny, Christina A; Harbison, Hanne S; Austin, Erika L et al. (2017) Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk among Women Is Not Fully Explained by Partner Numbers. South Med J 110:161-167
Agénor, Madina; Muzny, Christina A; Schick, Vanessa et al. (2017) Sexual orientation and sexual health services utilization among women in the United States. Prev Med 95:74-81
Muzny, Christina A; Schwebke, Jane R (2016) Pathogenesis of Bacterial Vaginosis: Discussion of Current Hypotheses. J Infect Dis 214 Suppl 1:S1-5
Muzny, Christina A; Kapil, Richa; Austin, Erika L et al. (2016) Chlamydia trachomatis infection in African American women who exclusively have sex with women. Int J STD AIDS 27:978-83
Muzny, Christina A; Burkholder, Greer A; Fry, Karen R et al. (2016) Trichomonas vaginalis Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing at an Urban HIV Clinic. Sex Transm Dis 43:483-8
Agénor, Madina; Austin, S Bryn; Kort, Daniel et al. (2016) Sexual Orientation and Sexual and Reproductive Health among African American Sexual Minority Women in the U.S. South. Womens Health Issues 26:612-621

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