Analyzing Group B Streptococcal and Host Factors Influencing Vaginal Colonization and Exploring Therapeutic Interventions

摘要: Author(s): Patras, Kathryn Ann | Advisor(s): Doran, Kelly S Abstract: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium which colonizes the cervicovaginal tract in 20-30% of healthy women. Colonization asymptomatic; however, during pregnancy, GBS can cause several complications such as chorioamnionitis and urinary infections, or alternatively, be vertically transmitted to newborns peripartum causing pneumonia, sepsis meningitis. Current prophylaxis, consisting late gestation screening intrapartum antibiotics, has failed completely prevent transmission, remains leading bacterial neonatal meningitis United States. Unfortunately, little known about host factors that promote permit vaginal colonization. For this PhD dissertation project, I examined innate adaptive immune responses colonization identified key factors, toxin production strain differences, elicited strong response altered persistence tract. This was accomplished using immortalized human cervical cell lines vitro, well utilizing an established mouse model Secondly, contribute successful colonization, including determinates controlling interactions with tissues other normal flora. multiple two component regulatory systems have been previously shown regulate gene expression, some control adherence putative bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS). utilized molecular techniques both study contributions specific confirmed BLIS activity. Lastly, explored therapeutic intervention strategies remove from treatment novel immunostimulatory peptide administration probiotic microbe limit Altogether, furthered our understanding GBS-host interaction within environment, will lead potential targets maternal pregnancy transmission vulnerable newborn.