Culturomics Approaches Expand the Diagnostic Accuracy for Sexually Transmitted Infections

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Britta Schlüter¹  Kathrin Schäfer²  Hannah Clara Rettig²  Dirk Friedrich²  Jan Rupp²  Ellinor Anna Wolf²  Simon Graspeuntner²  Mariia Lupatsii² 

[1] Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;

关键词: microbiota;    sexually transmitted infections;    culturomics;    culturing;    diagnostics;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms221910815

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health concern with clinical manifestations being acknowledged to cause severe reproductive impairment. Research in infectious diseases has been centered around the known major pathogens for decades. However, we have just begun to understand that the microbiota of the female genital tract is of particular importance for disease initiation, infection progression, and pathological outcome. Thus, we are now aware that many poorly described, partially not yet known, or cultured bacteria may pave the way for an infection and/or contribute to disease severity. While sequencing-based methods are an important step in diagnosing STIs, culture-based methods are still the gold-standard method in diagnostic routine, providing the opportunity to distinguish phenotypic traits of bacteria. However, current diagnostic culture routines suffer from several limitations reducing the content of information about vaginal microbiota. A detailed characterization of microbiota-associated factors is needed to assess the impact of single-bacterial isolates from the vaginal community on vaginal health and the containment of STIs. Here we provide current concepts to enable modern culture routines and create new ideas to improve diagnostic approaches with a conjunct usage of bioinformatics. We aim to enable scientists and physicians alike to overcome long-accepted limitations in culturing bacteria of interest to the human health. Eventually, this may improve the quality of culture-based diagnostics, facilitate a research interface, and lead to a broader understanding of the role of vaginal microbiota in reproductive health and STIs.

【 授权许可】

Unknown