Female genital tract infections (FGTIs) include vaginal infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis [BV]), endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease [PID], and chorioamnionitis [amniotic fluid infection]. They commonly occur in women of reproductive age and are strongly associated with multiple adverse health outcomes including increased risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission, infertility, and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth. These FGTIs are characterized by a disruption of the cervicovaginal microbiota which largely affects host immunity through the loss of protective, lactic acid-producing Lactobacillus spp. and the overgrowth of facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria. Prevotella species (spp.), anaerobic Gram-negative rods, are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple bacterial FGTIs. Specifically, P. bivia, P. amnii, and P. timonensis have unique virulence factors in this setting, including resistance to antibiotics commonly used in treatment. Additionally, evidence suggests that the presence of Prevotella spp. in untreated BV cases can lead to infections of the upper female genital tract by ascension into the uterus. This narrative review aims to explore the most common Prevotella spp. in FGTIs, highlight their important role in the pathogenesis of FGTIs, and propose future research in this area.

Peripheral neuroinflammation is characterized by hematogenous mononuclear leukocyte infiltration into peripheral nerves. Despite significant clinical knowledge, advancements in molecular biology and progress in developing specific drugs for inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis, there are currently no specific therapies that modulate pathogenic peripheral nerve inflammation. Modeling leukocyte trafficking at the blood-nerve barrier using a reliable human in vitro model and potential intravital microscopy techniques in representative animal models guided by human observational data should facilitate the targeted modulation of the complex inflammatory cascade needed to develop safe and efficacious therapeutics for immune-mediated neuropathies and chronic neuropathic pain.

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal dysbiosis characterized by polymicrobial communities of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) adhered to the vaginal epithelium. Despite decades of research, its etiology remains unknown. We aimed to investigate BV biofilm formation over time among women who developed incident BV (iBV) using peptide nucleic acid-fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH), focusing on 3 key BVAB (Gardnerella species, Prevotella bivia, and Fannyhessea vaginae). Methods: Heterosexual, nonpregnant women ages 18–45 with optimal vaginal microbiota were enrolled to self-collect twice-daily vaginal specimens for 60 days. iBV was defined as a Nugent score of 7–10 on ≥4 consecutive specimens. For women who developed iBV (cases), Gardnerella spp., P. bivia, and F. vaginae were visualized and quantified by PNA-FISH for up to 14 days prior to iBV, the day of iBV, and 3 days post-iBV. Cases were matched to women maintaining optimal vaginal microbiota (controls) based on age, race, and contraceptive method. Control specimens were matched to case specimens by day of menses. Results: Among 135 women enrolled, 18 developed iBV and were matched to 18 controls. Pooled median Gardnerella spp. counts significantly increased starting 5 days before iBV, while pooled median F. vaginae counts significantly increased on the day of iBV diagnosis. In contrast, pooled median P. bivia counts were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: These data suggest that Gardnerella spp. are early colonizers of the BV biofilm while F. vaginae is a secondary colonizer. P. bivia was not found to be significantly different between iBV case and control specimens.