The Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans Promotes Bladder Colonization of Group B Streptococcus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Urogenital Pathogenesis
• Host-Microbe Interactions

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a frequent cause of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in pregnant women and the elderly.
• The specific factors influencing GBS persistence and disease severity within the urinary tract remain incompletely understood.
• Candida albicans is a common colonizer of the urogenital tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of Candida albicans in promoting Group B Streptococcus (GBS) urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which C. albicans influences GBS pathogenesis in the urinary tract niche.

Main Methods:

• Co-inoculation models were used to study the interaction between GBS and C. albicans.
• Bacterial adherence to bladder epithelium was quantified.
• In vivo GBS colonization was assessed in the presence of C. albicans.

Main Results:

• The presence of Candida albicans significantly increased GBS adherence to bladder epithelial cells.
• Co-inoculation with C. albicans promoted enhanced GBS colonization in vivo.
• This promotion of GBS UTI was dependent on a C. albicans adhesin.

Conclusions:

• Fungal colonization, specifically by Candida albicans, can act as a significant factor in exacerbating bacterial pathogenesis during urinary tract infections.
• The findings suggest that interactions between fungal and bacterial urogenital microbiota play a critical role in UTI development and severity.