Vaginal dysbiotic bacteria act as pathobionts of the protozoal pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is often accompanied by a vaginal dysbiotic microbiota of pathogenic potential. Our objective was to investigate whether these dysbiotic bacteria act as pathobionts of T. vaginalis infection by altering pathogenic capabilities of the parasite, particularly in regard to adhesion to vaginal substrates and viability of human ectocervical cells.

Cooperative Interactions between and Associated Bacteria Enhance Paracellular Permeability of the Cervicovaginal Epithelium by Dysregulating Tight Junctions.

The human protozoan is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, which is accompanied by a species-diversified vaginal microbiota named community state type IV (CST-IV). Coincidently, CST-IV includes species associated with bacterial vaginosis (e.g.