Establishment & Characterization of a Vaginal Microbiome Repository
Abstract
Introduction: Numerous factors impact pathogenesis of infectious diseases, including pathogen virulence factors, the host immune response, and interactions between pathogens and the host microbiome. Candida albicans is a common member of the vaginal microflora and a frequent cause of vaginitis. Chlamydia trachomatis is also a common pathogen of the female genital tract. Previously, we demonstrated that C. albicans can inhibit C. trachomatis through direct interactions with C. albicans cells or fungal cell wall components. However, these observations were made with laboratory adapted strains of C. albicans and C. trachomatis instead of clinical isolates, which may differentially express virulence factors. Here, we sought to evaluate the translational significance of our observations by establishing and characterizing a biorepository of human vaginal microbial samples. Methods: Specula from de-identified ETSU Health OB/Gyn annual exam patients were swabbed for analysis. Replicate swab samples were: 1) cultured for Candida and C. trachomatis, 2) subjected to DNA isolation, and 3) stored in glycerol and frozen to create the microbial biorepository. Isolated yeast colonies were subcultured on Candida Chromagar Plus for presumptive speciation. C. trachomatis was identified via culture in HeLa cells and subsequent immunostaining. PCR was performed to amplify C. trachomatis and C. albicans genomes. Results: Thirty-six samples have been added to the biorepository. None of the samples were positive for Chlamydia. However, four Candida species were cultured from eight samples, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and an unidentified Candida species. Conclusions: While the biorepository is in the preliminary collection stage, these results suggest that there is a low incidence rate of chlamydial infections in our patient population. As expected, the presence of Candida in the vaginal microbiome was higher with 22% of samples testing positive. In the future, the biorepository will serve as a valuable resource for investigations into the vaginal microbial environment.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
44
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Jennifer Hall
Establishment & Characterization of a Vaginal Microbiome Repository
Culp Ballroom 316
Introduction: Numerous factors impact pathogenesis of infectious diseases, including pathogen virulence factors, the host immune response, and interactions between pathogens and the host microbiome. Candida albicans is a common member of the vaginal microflora and a frequent cause of vaginitis. Chlamydia trachomatis is also a common pathogen of the female genital tract. Previously, we demonstrated that C. albicans can inhibit C. trachomatis through direct interactions with C. albicans cells or fungal cell wall components. However, these observations were made with laboratory adapted strains of C. albicans and C. trachomatis instead of clinical isolates, which may differentially express virulence factors. Here, we sought to evaluate the translational significance of our observations by establishing and characterizing a biorepository of human vaginal microbial samples. Methods: Specula from de-identified ETSU Health OB/Gyn annual exam patients were swabbed for analysis. Replicate swab samples were: 1) cultured for Candida and C. trachomatis, 2) subjected to DNA isolation, and 3) stored in glycerol and frozen to create the microbial biorepository. Isolated yeast colonies were subcultured on Candida Chromagar Plus for presumptive speciation. C. trachomatis was identified via culture in HeLa cells and subsequent immunostaining. PCR was performed to amplify C. trachomatis and C. albicans genomes. Results: Thirty-six samples have been added to the biorepository. None of the samples were positive for Chlamydia. However, four Candida species were cultured from eight samples, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and an unidentified Candida species. Conclusions: While the biorepository is in the preliminary collection stage, these results suggest that there is a low incidence rate of chlamydial infections in our patient population. As expected, the presence of Candida in the vaginal microbiome was higher with 22% of samples testing positive. In the future, the biorepository will serve as a valuable resource for investigations into the vaginal microbial environment.
