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Studies on the pathogenicity of anaerobes, especially Prevotella bivia, in a rat pyometra model
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Gifu University, Japan.
Objective:
Prevotella bivia is one of the anaerobic bacteria that resides in the flora of the female genital tract. We studied the pathogenicity of P. bivia in a rat pyometra model.
Methods:
The experimental animal (rat) model of pyometra was developed to investigate the pathogenicity of P. bivia in a rat pyometra model.
Results:
In the groups inoculated with aerobes alone, the infection rate was 10% (1/10) in the Staphylococcus aureus- or Staphylococcus agalactiae-inoculated group and 20% (2/10) in the Escherichia coli-inoculated group. Infection was not established in the groups inoculated with anaerobes alone. High infection rates were observed in all the mixed-infection groups. In the S. agalactiae- and Bacteroides fragilis-, S. agalactiae- and P. bivia-, F. coli- and B. fragilis-, and E. coli- and P. bivia-inoculated groups, an infection rate of 100% (10/10) was demonstrated. The efficacy of antibiotics such as flomoxef (FMOX) could be determined using a rat pyometra model. In relation to the alteration of vaginal microbial flora during the menstrual cycle, estrogen increased the growth of P. bivia.
Conclusion:
Mixture of aerobic bacteria and P. bivia increased the pathogenicity of P. bivia. Estrogen would be useful for raising up the inflammatory change of the uterus in experimental models of genital tract infection due to P. bivia.
Insights
Prevotella bivia, an anaerobic bacterium, significantly increased pathogenicity when mixed with aerobic bacteria in a rat pyometra model. Estrogen may enhance uterine inflammation in experimental genital tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prevotella bivia is a component of the female genital tract's normal flora.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of P. bivia is crucial for female reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of Prevotella bivia (P. bivia) in a rat pyometra model.
- To assess the role of aerobic bacteria in P. bivia-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- A rat pyometra model was established to study P. bivia pathogenicity.
- Experimental groups were inoculated with aerobes alone, anaerobes alone, or mixed aerobic-anaerobic bacteria.
- The efficacy of antibiotics and the effect of estrogen were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Aerobes alone showed low infection rates (10-20%).
- Anaerobes alone did not establish infection.
- Mixed infections, particularly with P. bivia and aerobes (e.g., E. coli, S. agalactiae), resulted in 100% infection rates.
- Estrogen was found to increase P. bivia growth.
Conclusions:
- Co-infection with aerobic bacteria significantly enhances the pathogenicity of P. bivia.
- Estrogen may exacerbate uterine inflammation in experimental genital tract infections involving P. bivia, suggesting its potential role in disease models.