Interrelated Effects of Zinc Deficiency and the Microbiome on Group B Streptococcal Vaginal Colonization.

ABSTRACT: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in the vaginal tract is a risk factor for preterm birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes. GBS colonization is also transient in nature, which likely reflects the contributions of pathogen determinants, interactions with commensal flora, and host factors, making this environment particularly challenging to understand. Additionally, dietary zinc deficiency is a health concern on the global scale that is known to be associated with recurrent bacterial infection and increased rate of preterm birth or stillbirth. However, the impact of zinc deficiency on vaginal health has not yet been studied. Here we use a murine model to assess the role of dietary zinc on GBS burden and the impact of GBS colonization on the vaginal microbiome. We show that GBS vaginal colonization i

SUBMITTER: Burcham LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9429885 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature