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Relevance of non-Candida yeast species on vulvovaginal infections: insights of the pathophysiology of the mycobiome on the female genital tract and possible therapeutic routes

Relevância de leveduras não-Candida na infeção vulvovaginal: novas descobertas na patofisiologia do micobioma do tracto genital feminino e possíveis abordagens terapêuticas

Reference
2023.13372.PEX
Project Start Date
2025-01-01
Project End Date
2026-06-30
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Medical and health sciences
Funding Program
Concurso de Projetos Exploratórios em Todos os Domínios Científicos 2023

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidosis is a frequent infection affecting millions of women worldwide. It is caused mostly by yeast of the genus Candida , of which the most frequent is Candida albicans . Classically, it was assumed that vulvar infection occurred as a consequence of vaginal infection due to the spread of the infected vaginal fluid. However, recent results from our research group have revealed a group of symptomatic patients from which yeast isolates were recovered exclusively from the vulva with no signs of vaginal infection. In accordance, recent literature shows that yeasts of the genus Rhodotorula and Trichosporon are emerging yeast pathogens in the female genital tract. Little is known regarding the epidemiology, pathogenicity and virulence of these yeast species. In this research proposal the applicant aims to contribute to the identification of emergent fungal species in the female genital tract, as well as to the extensive characterization of their metabolic peculiarities and pathophysiologic potential. Specifically, the applicant aims to fully assess their prevalence, virulence capability and relationship with other relevant yeast species, namely C. albicans . The vaginal microbiome is a complex niche; but fungal species and their distribution yet are very poorly characterized. The preliminary results from the research team have revealed that Rhodotorula spp. can be recovered almost exclusively from the vulva of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of child-bearing age. We also found that Rhodotorola spp. has a high ability to form biofilms; and that when in co-culture with C. albicans, these yeasts decrease their overall growth and virulence. Finally, our preliminary results revealed that azole resistance rates are very high among non- Candida yeasts, increasing the interest and need for new and directed therapeutics. Therefore, in this proposal, we aim to expand this knowledge through the characterization of the vulvar microenvironment. The applicant aims to better understand this cross-talk between species, by extensively characterizing genotypic and phenotypic traits of emergent yeasts in the female genital tract. Finally, the applicant aims to further apply this knowledge in designing a solution to improve women’s health, by proposing a new therapeutic option targeting the vulva. In particular, to contribute to the development of a new natural-based gel to treat vulvar infections caused by emergent yeasts. This research proposal is innovative and ground-breaking, not only due to its very challenging subject but also because it will provide the applicant with basic and applied knowledge, shedding the light on a topic understudied and poorly understanded in clinical practice. Furthermore, due to the possibility of generating scientific data that would latter be used for the development of a marketable product, this allies the basic science to a real applicability providing an innovative solution for an emerging condition.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI)

Funding 49.132,10 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

49.132,10 €