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Comparison of the vaginal environment in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques pre‐ and post‐lactobacillus colonization
Author(s) -
Daggett Gregory J.,
Zhao Chunxia,
ConnorStroud Fawn,
OviedoMoreno Patricia,
Moon Hojin,
Cho Michael W.,
Moench Thomas,
Anderson Deborah J.,
Villinger Francois
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/jmp.12264
Subject(s) - bacterial vaginosis , colonization , lactobacillus , vagina , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , biology , medicine , physiology , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics
Background Rhesus and cynomologus macaques are valuable animal models for the study of human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) prevention strategies. However, for such studies focused on the vaginal route of infection, differences in vaginal environment may have deterministic impact on the outcome of such prevention, providing the rationale for this study. Methods We tested the vaginal environment of rhesus and cynomolgus macaques longitudinally to characterize the normal microflora based on Nugent scores and pH . This evaluation was extended after colonization of the vaginal space with Lactobacilli in an effort to recreate NHP models representing the healthy human vaginal environment. Results and Conclusion Nugent scores and pH differed significantly between species, although data from both species were suggestive of stable bacterial vaginosis. Colonization with Lactobacilli was successful in both species leading to lower Nugent score and pH , although rhesus macaques appeared better able to sustain Lactobacillus spp over time.