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Understanding Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Through a Community Genomics Approach

  • Translational Research (R Wheeler, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), predominantly caused by Candida albicans, is one of the most common types of infectious vaginitis. Extensive study has been directed toward understanding host defenses against this infection, and results remain inconclusive. While many have examined the role of innate and cell-mediated immunity, as well as Candida-specific antibodies and the anti-Candida activity of vaginal epithelial cells, little attention has been given to one of the most important players: the vaginal microbiota. Exploring changes in species composition and gene expression within the vaginal community using high-throughput genomic technologies is invaluable to fully understanding Candida pathogenesis and host response to infection. This integrative perspective of pathogenesis, host response and microbial influence are critical to our ability to improve routine gynecologic care and treatment of vaginal infections.

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Acknowledgements

JR was supported by Public Health Services grants UH2AI83264 and U01AI70921 for some of the work described in this article.

Conflict of Interest

L.L. Bradford declares that she has no conflict of interest.

J. Ravel declares that he has no conflict of interest.

V. Bruno declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 801 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    L. Latey Bradford, Jacques Ravel & Vincent Bruno

  2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    L. Latey Bradford, Jacques Ravel & Vincent Bruno

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  1. L. Latey Bradford
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  2. Jacques Ravel
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  3. Vincent Bruno
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Correspondence to Jacques Ravel or Vincent Bruno.

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Bradford, L.L., Ravel, J. & Bruno, V. Understanding Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Through a Community Genomics Approach. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 7, 126–131 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-013-0135-0

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