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Interactions Between Genital Microbiota and Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections: Transmission, Prevention, and Treatment

  • Influences of Hormones and Other Microorganisms on Genital Tract Pathogens (N Borel and R Schoborg, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent technological developments have vastly improved our ability to study the host microbiome and its role in many disease states. Numerous other reviews have contributed to our understanding of single viruses and gut microbiota or immunological outcomes. Here, we report, in aggregate, the newest data on genital microbiota interactions with the three most common viral STIs.

Recent Findings

Four themes emerge: (1) the repeatability of specific community state types corresponding with infection risk, (2) a role for the microbiota as both therapeutic target and major player in treatment efficacy, (3) a need for models in which to study the mechanisms at play in microbiota/virus interactions, and (4) the impact of microbiota populating external genitalia on viral transmission.

Summary

The studies reviewed herein suggest a convoluted interplay between host microbiota and viral STIs. More mechanistic studies are needed in order to leverage these interactions to improve prevention and treatment strategies.

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Abbreviations

ART:

Antiretroviral therapy

CST:

Community state type

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

HPV:

Human papillomavirus

HSV:

Herpes simplex virus

PrEP:

Preexposure prophylaxis

STI:

Sexually transmitted infection

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Emory and Henry College, 30432 Garnand Drive, Emory, VA, 24327, USA

    Amanda Whitlow, Jake Bova & Regenia Campbell

  2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Mary Katherine Herndon

  3. Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease, and Immunity (CIIDI), East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA

    Regenia Campbell

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  1. Amanda Whitlow
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Correspondence to Regenia Campbell.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Influences of Hormones and Other Microorganisms on Genital Tract Pathogens

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Whitlow, A., Herndon, M.K., Bova, J. et al. Interactions Between Genital Microbiota and Viral Sexually Transmitted Infections: Transmission, Prevention, and Treatment. Curr Clin Micro Rpt 6, 59–66 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40588-019-00115-6

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