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01-02-2022 | Respiratory Microbiota | Original Article

Bacterial biofilm formation on vaginal ring pessaries used for pelvic organ prolapse

Authors: Felicity G. Gould, Marcus P. Carey, Erica L. Plummer, Gerald L. Murray, Jennifer A. Danielewski, Sepehr N. Tabrizi, Suzanne M. Garland

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to characterize the bacterial biofilm on vaginal ring pessaries used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and investigate the relationship between biofilm phenotype and patient symptoms and clinical signs that are suggestive of inflammation.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study of 40 women wearing a ring-shaped pessary continuously for at least 12 weeks. Participants underwent a clinical examination, and the pessary was removed. Clinical signs were recorded. A swab from the pessary surface and a high vaginal swab were collected from each woman. Participants completed a questionnaire on symptoms. Pessary biofilm presence and phenotype were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vaginal and pessary bacterial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The relationship between biofilm phenotype and symptoms and clinical signs was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

SEM confirmed biofilm formation on all 40 pessaries. Microbiota data were available for 25 pessary swabs. The pessary biofilm microbiota was composed of bacteria typically found in the vagina and was categorized into Lactobacillus-dominated (n = 10/25 pessaries, 40%) communities and Lactobacillus-deficient communities with high relative abundance of anaerobic/facultative anaerobes (n = 15/25 pessaries, 60%). While increasing age was associated with presence of a Lactobacillus-deficient pessary biofilm (odds ratio = 3.60, 95% CI [1.16–11.22], p = 0.04), no associations between biofilm microbiota composition and symptoms or clinical signs were observed.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus-deficient biofilms commonly form on pessaries following long-term use. However, the contribution of biofilm phenotype to symptoms and clinical signs remains to be determined.

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Title: Bacterial biofilm formation on vaginal ring pessaries used for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Felicity G. Gould
Marcus P. Carey
Erica L. Plummer
Gerald L. Murray
Jennifer A. Danielewski
Sepehr N. Tabrizi
Suzanne M. Garland
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Respiratory Microbiota
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04717-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Bacterial biofilm formation on vaginal ring pessaries used for pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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