RAV123_254498
Eco-pathogenomics of chlamydial infection: The role of the vaginal microbiota
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the United State and worldwide, its high prevalence speaks volume about the remarkable adaptability to thrive in human and to bear upon, perhaps outcompete against, indigenous vaginal microbiota. However, the roles of vaginal microbiome, particularly its relations to the varied degree of host predisposition to disease upon exposure to pathogens, are largely undetermined. In this study, we investigated vaginal microbial community composition and structure upon active Chlamydial infection and clearance of infection for 9 months after treatment, using a collection of samples from 101 young women. One striking findings is that the hallmark of healthy vagina Lactobacillus is markedly underrepresented in the investigated cohort, particularly L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, while the abundance of L. iners is similar to healthy or asymptomatic cohort. To make the results more comparable between different studies, we also compare 16S gene V1-V3 amplicon with V1-V2 amplicon in their taxonomic assignment. Furthermore, strong association of microbial community compositional profiling and pathological conditions is revealed. Gardnerella vaginalis is identified as the most abundant species in vaginal microbiota with active Chlamydial infection in addition to a group of other low abundant phylotypes, while Lactobacillus iners become the most prevalent species when infection is cleared. Our results provide evidences of the interactive roles of vaginal microbiota during the episode of infection and restoration of health or asymptomatic state, to facilitate further risk assessment and developing strategic plans of diagnostics and personalized treatments to promote health and quality of life.