Research

Emerging data demonstrate that the microbiome can have a profound impact on the course of an infection and perturbation in the local vaginal or rectal microbiome can lead to increased susceptibility. Moreover, recent data suggest that sexual preference can significantly alter the microbiome, but it is currently unknown how this affect susceptibility to STI infections. To determine potential microbiota host factors associated with susceptibility to an STI and/or course of infection, we will study the microbiome from vaginal/rectal swabs as well as stool samples. In collaboration with experts in the field of microbiota research we will determine in match-pair analysis associated microbial perturbation.

Studies have demonstrated that local inflammation e.g. through co-infection with NG can increase the susceptibility of HIV infection17. While this has been studied in detail for HIV infection, very little is known in terms of localized or systemic inflammation and its impact on susceptibility or protection from sexually transmitted pathogens. In particular, it is unknown whether an antiviral or antibacterial immune response can promote or inhibit the establishment of other infections. We will therefore use a string of immunological techniques including multicolor flow cytometry and Luminex technology to determine potential important factors.

While some host genetic factors have been identified for HIV and HCV, only little is known about host genetics for other sexual transmitted infections. This may be important as some of the sexual transmitted infections such as CT or NG can lead to long-term destructive inflammation and rheumatological problems, if not diagnosed and treated early. Thus, understanding potential factors underlying potential severity of disease may provide insight into pathogenesis and development of novel therapeutics.

A central storage of residual samples in a quality controlled manner will allow.