Differential sexual network connectivity offers a parsimonious explanation for population-level variations in the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis: a data-driven, model-supported hypothesis
Date
2019-01-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC (part of Springer Nature)
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal microbiota types varies dramatically between
different populations around the world. Understanding what underpins these differences is important, as highdiversity
microbiotas associated with BV are implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes and enhanced susceptibility
to and transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Main text: We hypothesize that these variations in the vaginal microbiota can, in part, be explained by variations in
the connectivity of sexual networks. We argue: 1) Couple-level data suggest that BV-associated bacteria can be
sexually transmitted and hence high sexual network connectivity would be expected to promote the spread of BVassociated
bacteria. Epidemiological studies have found positive associations between indicators of network
connectivity and the prevalence of BV; 2) The relationship between BV prevalence and STI incidence/prevalence can
be parsimoniously explained by differential network connectivity; 3) Studies from other mammals are generally
supportive of the association between network connectivity and high-diversity vaginal microbiota.
Conclusion: To test this hypothesis, we propose a combination of empirical and simulation-based study designs.
Description
CITATION: Kenyon, C. R., Delva, W. & Brotman, R. M. 2019. Differential sexual network connectivity
offers a parsimonious explanation for
population-level variations in the
prevalence of bacterial vaginosis : a datadriven,
model-supported hypothesis. BMC Women's Health, 19:8, doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0703-0.
The original publication is available at https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Bacterial vaginosis, Sexual behavior, Bacterial vaginitis -- Etiology, Sexually transmitted diseases -- Microbiology, Multiple sexual partners -- Risk factors
Citation
Kenyon, C. R., Delva, W. & Brotman, R. M. 2019. Differential sexual network connectivity
offers a parsimonious explanation for
population-level variations in the
prevalence of bacterial vaginosis : a datadriven,
model-supported hypothesis. BMC Women's Health, 19:8, doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0703-0