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Exploring the female genital tract mycobiome in young South African women using metaproteomics

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Title: Exploring the female genital tract mycobiome in young South African women using metaproteomics
Authors: Tamlyn K. Gangiah, Arghavan Alisoltani, Matthys Potgieter, Liam Bell, Elizabeth Ross, Arash Iranzadeh, Zac McDonald, Imane Allali, Smritee Dabee, Shaun Barnabas, Jonathan M. Blackburn, David L. Tabb, Linda-Gail Bekker, Heather B. Jaspan, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Nicola Mulder, Lindi Masson
Source: Microbiome, Vol 13, Iss 1, Pp 1-22 (2025)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Microbial ecology
Subject Terms: Mycobiome, Metaproteomics, Female genital tract, Bacterial vaginosis, Fungi, Microbial ecology, QR100-130
More Details: Abstract Background Female genital tract (FGT) diseases such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections are prevalent in South Africa, with young women being at an increased risk. Since imbalances in the FGT microbiome are associated with FGT diseases, it is vital to investigate the factors that influence FGT health. The mycobiome plays an important role in regulating mucosal health, especially when the bacterial component is disturbed. However, we have a limited understanding of the FGT mycobiome since many studies have focused on bacterial communities and have neglected low-abundance taxonomic groups, such as fungi. To reduce this knowledge deficit, we present the first large-scale metaproteomic study to define the taxonomic composition and potential functional processes of the FGT mycobiome in South African reproductive-age women. Results We examined FGT fungal communities present in 123 women by collecting lateral vaginal wall swabs for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. From this, 39 different fungal genera were identified, with Candida dominating the mycobiome (53.2% relative abundance). We observed changes in relative abundance at the protein, genus, and functional (gene ontology biological processes) level between BV states. In women with BV, Malassezia and Conidiobolus proteins were more abundant, while Candida proteins were less abundant compared to BV-negative women. Correspondingly, Nugent scores were negatively associated with total fungal protein abundance. The clinical variables, Nugent score, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, vaginal pH, Chlamydia trachomatis, and the presence of clue cells were associated with fungal community composition. Conclusions The results of this study revealed the diversity of FGT fungal communities, setting the groundwork for understanding the FGT mycobiome. Video Abstract
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2049-2618
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2049-2618
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-025-02066-1
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/336b1b964a404142bce589a1f7c44ea3
Accession Number: edsdoj.336b1b964a404142bce589a1f7c44ea3
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  Data: Abstract Background Female genital tract (FGT) diseases such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections are prevalent in South Africa, with young women being at an increased risk. Since imbalances in the FGT microbiome are associated with FGT diseases, it is vital to investigate the factors that influence FGT health. The mycobiome plays an important role in regulating mucosal health, especially when the bacterial component is disturbed. However, we have a limited understanding of the FGT mycobiome since many studies have focused on bacterial communities and have neglected low-abundance taxonomic groups, such as fungi. To reduce this knowledge deficit, we present the first large-scale metaproteomic study to define the taxonomic composition and potential functional processes of the FGT mycobiome in South African reproductive-age women. Results We examined FGT fungal communities present in 123 women by collecting lateral vaginal wall swabs for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. From this, 39 different fungal genera were identified, with Candida dominating the mycobiome (53.2% relative abundance). We observed changes in relative abundance at the protein, genus, and functional (gene ontology biological processes) level between BV states. In women with BV, Malassezia and Conidiobolus proteins were more abundant, while Candida proteins were less abundant compared to BV-negative women. Correspondingly, Nugent scores were negatively associated with total fungal protein abundance. The clinical variables, Nugent score, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, vaginal pH, Chlamydia trachomatis, and the presence of clue cells were associated with fungal community composition. Conclusions The results of this study revealed the diversity of FGT fungal communities, setting the groundwork for understanding the FGT mycobiome. Video Abstract
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