Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent form of vaginitis worldwide and has been linked to complications such as preterm birth and STD/HIV acquisition. The etiology of BV remains unknown although its epidemiology mirrors that of a sexually transmitted disease. Most of the microorganisms associated with BV are detected by culture techniques in the healthy vagina in small numbers with the exception of Mobiluncus spp. which seems to be strongly associated with BV. However, this organism is a highly fastidious anaerobe and culture may underestimate the true prevalence in vaginal samples. We propose to use polymerase chain techniques (PCR) to examine the concordance rates of Mobiluncus species among sexual partners. Our hypothesis is that Mobiluncus curtisii is important in the pathogenesis of BV and high concordance rates among sexual partners will be found suggesting sexual transmission.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03HD042112-01A1
Application #
6570818
Study Section
Pediatrics Subcommittee (CHHD)
Program Officer
Kaufman, Steven
Project Start
2003-04-01
Project End
2005-03-31
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2004-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$62,500
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
Schwebke, Jane R; Rivers, Charles; Lee, Jeannette (2009) Prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis in male sexual partners of women with and without bacterial vaginosis. Sex Transm Dis 36:92-4