The Role of <i>Prevotella</i> Species in Female Genital Tract Infections

oleh: Sheridan D. George, Olivia T. Van Gerwen, Chaoling Dong, LĂșcia G. V. Sousa, Nuno Cerca, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Christopher M. Taylor, Christina A. Muzny

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-04-01

Deskripsi

Female genital tract infections (FGTIs) include vaginal infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis [BV]), endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease [PID], and chorioamnionitis [amniotic fluid infection]. They commonly occur in women of reproductive age and are strongly associated with multiple adverse health outcomes including increased risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission, infertility, and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth. These FGTIs are characterized by a disruption of the cervicovaginal microbiota which largely affects host immunity through the loss of protective, lactic acid-producing <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. and the overgrowth of facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria. <i>Prevotella</i> species (spp.), anaerobic Gram-negative rods, are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple bacterial FGTIs. Specifically, <i>P. bivia</i>, <i>P. amnii</i>, and <i>P. timonensis</i> have unique virulence factors in this setting, including resistance to antibiotics commonly used in treatment. Additionally, evidence suggests that the presence of <i>Prevotella</i> spp. in untreated BV cases can lead to infections of the upper female genital tract by ascension into the uterus. This narrative review aims to explore the most common <i>Prevotella</i> spp. in FGTIs, highlight their important role in the pathogenesis of FGTIs, and propose future research in this area.