Male urethritis: Novel etiologies and natural history

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Urethritis is the most common male reproductive tract syndrome, yet up to 50% of cases have no known etiology. Recently, we found that Leptotrichia/Sneathia spp., newly described bacteria that are highly sensitive and specific for bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women, were significantly associated with idiopathic urethritis in men. Two other newly described bacteria (BV-associated bacterium [BVAB] 2, and BVAB3) were found more often in men with idiopathic urethritis than in control men, suggesting that all 3 of these bacteria may play a role in urethritis. Furthermore, men with idiopathic urethritis had urethral microbial communities that were distinct from those in healthy men, and relative abundance of Lactobacillis iners was consistently higher in men with urethritis, suggesting that changes in the urethral microbiota may also play a causal role in the development of urethritis. Given the relatively common nature of male urethritis, its propensity to recur, and the high proportion of unexplained cases, we propose a 2-tiered strategy to identify novel etiologies of this condition. In a species-specific approach, we will prospectively assess the relationship between 3 newly described bacteria (Leptotrichia/Sneathia spp., BVAB2, BVAB3) and the incidence, resolution and recurrence of urethritis using species-specific quantitative PCR. In a metagenomic approach, we will use broad range 16S rRNA gene PCR with pyrosequencing to describe the urethral bacterial biota in men over time and to assess whether changes in species composition of bacteria in microbial communities and/or relative abundance of specific bacteria (L. iners, among others) are associated with incidence, resolution and recurrence of urethritis. Finally, we hypothesize that these bacteria and bacterial communities are sexually transmitted and will assess the relationships between specific sexual exposures, acquisition of any of the 3 newly described bacteria and/or changes in microbial communities, and new onset of clinical signs and symptoms of urethritis. These studies will enhance the clinical management of male urethritis, and may lead to the development of new diagnostic tools, therapies and prevention strategies. Given the sexually transmitted nature of most genital tract bacteria, parallel benefits for clinical management of female reproductive tract disease may follow.