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Anaerobes and Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy: Virulence Factors Contributing to Vaginal Colonisation

Author

Listed:
  • Charlene W. J. Africa

    (Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Janske Nel

    (Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Megan Stemmet

    (Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The aetiology and pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is unclear but it appears to be associated with factors that disrupt the normal acidity of the vagina thus altering the equilibrium between the normal vaginal microbiota. BV has serious implications for female morbidity, including reports of pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and infertility. This paper reviewed new available information regarding possible factors contributing to the establishment of the BV vaginal biofilm, examined the proposed role of anaerobic microbial species recently detected by new culture-independent methods and discusses developments related to the effects of BV on human pregnancy. The literature search included Pubmed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), and Web of Science. Because of the complexity and diversity of population groups, diagnosis and methodology used, no meta-analysis was performed. Several anaerobic microbial species previously missed in the laboratory diagnosis of BV have been revealed while taking cognisance of newly proposed theories of infection, thereby improving our understanding and knowledge of the complex aetiology and pathogenesis of BV and its perceived role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlene W. J. Africa & Janske Nel & Megan Stemmet, 2014. "Anaerobes and Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy: Virulence Factors Contributing to Vaginal Colonisation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:7:p:6979-7000:d:38021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacques Pépin & Sylvie Deslandes & Geneviève Giroux & François Sobéla & Nzambi Khonde & Soumaila Diakité & Sophie Demeule & Annie-Claude Labbé & Nathalie Carrier & Eric Frost, 2011. "The Complex Vaginal Flora of West African Women with Bacterial Vaginosis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(9), pages 1-8, September.
    2. Katherine Fethers & Jimmy Twin & Christopher K Fairley & Freya J I Fowkes & Suzanne M Garland & Glenda Fehler & Anna M Morton & Jane S Hocking & Sepehr N Tabrizi & Catriona S Bradshaw, 2012. "Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Candidate Bacteria: Associations with BV and Behavioural Practices in Sexually-Experienced and Inexperienced Women," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(2), pages 1-7, February.
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