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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
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Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria
Published on: May 25, 2022
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Syntrophic bacterial and host-microbe interactions in bacterial vaginosis
Elliot M Lee1, Sujatha Srinivasan1, Samuel O Purvine2
1Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
The ISME Journal
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) involves complex microbial interactions producing malodor. This study identifies key bacteria and metabolic pathways, like polyamine and formic acid production, offering new therapeutic targets for vaginal health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Vaginal Health
Background:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal microbiota condition with malodor and discharge.
- Host-bacteria and bacteria-bacteria interactions are implicated but not fully understood.
- BV increases risks for adverse sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate host-bacteria and bacteria-bacteria interactions in BV using metaproteomics.
- To identify specific microbial functions and metabolites contributing to BV symptoms.
- To discover novel therapeutic targets for BV.
Main Methods:
- Untargeted metaproteomics on cervicovaginal lavage samples from BV patients and controls.
- Identification of host and bacterial proteins.
- In vitro confirmation of bacterial metabolic functions.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for host protein validation.
Main Results:
- Identified 1068 host and 1418 bacterial proteins.
- Dialister micraerophilus and Fannyhessea vaginae identified in putrescine production.
- Formate synthesis via pyruvate formate-lyase observed in vivo and in vitro.
- Coriobacteriales bacterium DNF00809 metabolizes Gardnerella vaginalis-secreted formic acid.
- Increased transglutaminase 3 (host epithelial repair protein) detected.
- Finegoldia magna and Parvimonas micra implicated in trimethylamine production.
Conclusions:
- Novel syntrophic interactions and metabolic pathways (polyamine, formate, trimethylamine production) identified in BV.
- Specific bacteria and their functions linked to BV symptoms and pathology.
- Identified bacterial proteins represent potential therapeutic targets to restore vaginal microbiota balance.
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