Fannyhessea vaginae
Classification
Bacteria; Actinimycetota; Actinomycetes ; Actinomycetales; Actinomycetaceae; Fannyhessea
Species
Fannyhessea vaginae
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NCBI: [1] |
Description and Significance
Fannyhessea Vaginae (formerly atopobium vaginae) is a gram positive cocci shaped bacterium highly specific to Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (Lu ́cia G. V. Sousa et al, 2021). This organism alone does not cause BV, rather in combination with another bacteria with similar characteristics Gardnerella spp.
As an anaerobe (low to no oxygen) F. Vaginae creates polymicrobial biofilms that layer the vaginal epithelial cells providing the anaerobic conditions for optimal growth (Lu ́cia G. V. Sousa et al, 2021). Increase in pH, vaginal discharge and odor are characteristics of BV, and can be partially attributed to the presence of F. vaginae. The Biofilms produced by this microbe serves as a diagnostic marker for BV, which is vital as most of the previous detection methods for BV had a high rate of failure. This is an important connection as bacterial vaginosis affects approximately 29% of reproductive aged women worldwide, and can have adverse effects on childbirth. Discovering this link to F. vaginae is essential for early detection and treatment.
Genome Structure
The F. Vaginae genome is a linear chromosome. Of the 24 different strains the primary genome DSM 15829 is sequenced at 1.5 mbp, with the smallest strain only 461 bp. Most of the genes are protein coding, with 1200 genes coding over 18,000 proteins.
DSM 15829 contain a 5s, 16s, 23s rRNA; and a 30s protein s6. Encoded in this genome are sucrose metabolic pathways, glycan biosynthesis, and termination factor rho. In addition the NusB protein involved in RNA biosynthesis within eubacteria is regulated by modulating transcription and antitermination efficiency.
Cell Structure, Metabolism and Life Cycle
This organism uses utilizes carbohydrates through a glycolysis and pentose phosphorous pathway. Anaerobic glycolytic pathway breaks down glycerin-p down to pyruvate to be used in the production of energy. Pentose Phosphorous pathway breaks down fructose-6p that can end up In the input of the glycolytic pathway. In a further complex fashion during the break down via the glycerin-p, at the pyruvate stage this organism can switch its metabolism into a anabolic pathway to build the amino acid methionine from the serine intermediate.
Ecology and Pathogenesis
F. vaginae is found in the vaginal microbiota though rarely found in the microbiota of a healthy individual. This parasitic organism causes many complications for vaginal health by causing a pH in-balance, increase of discharge, foul odor and discomfort. As a part of the F. vaginae processes biofilms are created and attach to the vaginal epithelial wall causing anoxic conditions exacerbating pH and discharge complications.
While F. Vaginae does not cause BV alone, it is found coupled with Gardnerella spp. which is another biofilm producing bacteria associated with BV. Gardnerella app. biofilms reduce the ability of lactobacillus adhered to vaginal epithelial cells and produce a lysin that lyses and exfoliates vaginal epithelial cells. From this F. Vaginae takes hold and the two cause serious issues. As previously mentioned F. vaginae is highly specific to BV compared to the other bacteria found in BV positive case studies (Lu ́cia G. V. Sousa et al, 2021).
References
Author
Page authored by John T., student of Prof. Bradley Tolar at UNC Wilmington.
