Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

A fungal pathobiont promotes Streptococcus vaginal persistence and pathogenesis through physical and metabolic

Shirli Cohen1, Arianne J Crossen1, Owen Jensen1

  • 1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The fungus Candida albicans helps Group B Streptococcus (GBS) to persist in the vagina and travel to the uterus. This interaction enhances GBS antibiotic resistance and virulence, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the vagina, posing risks during pregnancy and neonatal periods.
  • The vaginal microbiome's complexity influences GBS colonization and potential adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Candida albicans in supporting GBS vaginal colonization and pathogenesis.
  • To explore the mechanisms of interaction between C. albicans and GBS.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an adapted murine model for vaginal colonization studies.
  • Analyzed clinical isolates for C. albicans and GBS associations.
  • Examined physical interactions and nutrient exchange between the two microbes.

Main Results:

  • Candida albicans enhances GBS fitness, vaginal persistence, and uterine ascension in a murine model.
  • Co-colonization with C. albicans promotes GBS antibiotic evasion.
  • The hyphal form of C. albicans facilitates GBS adhesion and aggregation.
  • GBS interaction induces arginine biosynthesis in C. albicans, upregulating GBS virulence.

Conclusions:

  • Interactions between C. albicans and GBS increase GBS pathogenic potential through nutrient exchange.
  • Targeting this interkingdom communication may offer novel preventive strategies against GBS infections.
Keywords:
Candida albicansStreptococcus agalactiaeadhesinsargininefemale genital tractgroup B Streptococcusinterkingdompolymicrobialvaginal colonization

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