Type 2 diabetes mellitus exacerbates vaginal group B <i>Streptococcus</i> colonization via impaired mucosal cytokine response.

ABSTRACT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that confers increased risk of microbial infections, including those caused by the opportunistic pathogen group B Streptococcus (GBS). Asymptomatic GBS carriage in the vaginal tract is a notable reservoir for infection, but the impact of T2D on the vaginal mucosa and GBS colonization is not fully understood. We employed a diet-induced mouse model of T2D paired with vaginal GBS colonization to investigate the impact of diabetes on glucose availability, bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiome, and vaginal cytokine profiles at baseline and in response to GBS. We observed that, despite experiencing hyperglycemia, diabetic mice did not exhibit elevated glucose in the reproductive tract. Regarding the vaginal microbiota, diabe

SUBMITTER: Robertson CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803156 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature