Use of intravaginal microbicides to prevent acquisition of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Lactobacillus-pretreated, estrogenized young mice.
D2A21, a novel peptide antibiotic has in vitro activity against a wide spectrum of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). In this study we tested the hypothesis that intravaginal D2A21 would interfere with acquisition of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in a modified mouse model. T. vaginalis infections of estrogenized young mice pretreated with Lactobacillus vaginalis or Lactobacillus rhamnosus were more frequent and persistent than those in mice pre-treated with Lactobacillus gasseri or Lactobacillus acidophilus. One hundred percent T. vaginalis infection was achieved for 2-4 days post-challenge when intravaginal L. rhamnosus pre-treatments were given to estrogenized mice 48 hr prior to a single T. vaginalis challenge. Estrogenized mice pre-treated with L. rhamnosus were pre-medicated with intravaginal placebo gel, 0.5% or 2% D2A21 gel, or 500 microg/mL metronidazole gel prior to T. vaginalis challenge. Both 2% D2A21 and metronidazole gels were significantly more efficacious (10% or none infected) than placebo gel (53% infected) in preventing vaginal T. vaginalis infections in mice.
Lushbaugh
W B
WB
Department of Microbiology, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA. wlushbaugh@microbio.umsmed.edu
Blossom
A C
AC
Shah
P H
PH
Banga
A K
AK
Jaynes
J M
JM
Cleary
J D
JD
Finley
R W
RW
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004967:Estrogens; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010455:Peptides; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; C430264:D2A21; D004967:Estrogens; D005782:Gels; D010455:Peptides; D008795:Metronidazole