Open AccessPersistent, Asymptomatic Colonization with Candida is Associated with Elevated Frequencies of Highly Activated Cervical Th17-Like Cells and Related Cytokines in the Reproductive Tract of South African Adolescents
Author(s) -
AnnaUrsula Happel,
Melanie Gasper,
Christina Balle,
Iyaloo N. Konstantinus,
Hoyam Gamieldien,
Smritee Dabee,
Katherine Gill,
LindaGail Bekker,
JoAnn S. Passmore,
Heather B. Jaspan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
microbiology spectrum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.502
H-Index - 51
ISSN - 2165-0497
DOI - 10.1128/spectrum.01626-21
Subject(s) - colonization , subclinical infection , asymptomatic , immunology , vagina , genital tract , dysbiosis , immunity , sex organ , inflammation , biology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , immune system , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , physiology , virology , genetics , gut flora
Sub-Saharan African female adolescents are globally at the highest risk of HIV acquisition, and genital inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, and cervical HIV target cell activation are thought to contribute to this risk. Previously, the relationship between these mucosal factors and subclinical vaginalCandida colonization or hyphae has not been described, and the role of HIV-susceptible Th17 cells in mediating anti-Candida immunity in the human female genital tract has not been clearly established.