Akkermansia muciniphila Impacts Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Vaginal Microbiome Research
• Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the female genital tract but poses risks during pregnancy and to newborns.
• The influence of the vaginal microbiota on GBS colonization dynamics is not well understood.
• Akkermansia muciniphila, an intestinal commensal, has been identified as a vaginal colonizer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Akkermansia muciniphila on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaginal colonization.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which A. muciniphila affects GBS aggregation, adherence, and gene expression.
• To assess the potential of A. muciniphila as a probiotic intervention for GBS vaginal colonization.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using human vaginal epithelial cells (hVECs) and GBS.
• RNA-sequencing to analyze GBS gene expression changes induced by A. muciniphila.
• In vivo studies in a murine vaginal colonization model.
• Assessment of GBS aggregation and attachment to hVECs.

Main Results:

• A. muciniphila significantly promotes GBS aggregation and attachment to hVECs.
• A. muciniphila alters the expression of 258 GBS genes, particularly those involved in cell envelope biogenesis.
• GBS capsule and pili are crucial for A. muciniphila-mediated aggregation and attachment, respectively.
• A. muciniphila promotes GBS aggregation in vivo and reduces GBS vaginal persistence with continuous treatment.

Conclusions:

• Akkermansia muciniphila dynamically impacts GBS gene expression and vaginal colonization.
• A. muciniphila enhances GBS aggregation and adherence through specific bacterial factors.
• A. muciniphila demonstrates probiotic potential for managing GBS vaginal colonization.