Course Overview

Studies of the female genital tract in health and disease are being reported at a very rapid rate. New findings that enhance our understanding of the mechanisms leading to disorders in this area are published almost daily. Whereas previously the predominant focus in infections affecting women was on identification of the causative microorganism and finding the most effective drug for treatment, there is now a much greater appreciation of the role of host-microorganism interactions that promote well being or, conversely, that lead to disease. This has led to a concomitant increased understanding that all women are not identical nor will benefit from the same standard prevention or treatment protocol. There is a great need, currently not effectively met in a many cases, to appreciate genetic, immune, hormonal, microbiological and biochemical differences between women and to modify how we define disease and provide the most effective treatment on an individual basis.

Learning Achievement

Development of increasingly sensitive methods to define the composition of the genital tract microbiome by gene amplification technology, coupled with a greater appreciation of host-microbe interactions, has led to a fundamental change in our understanding of the mechanisms that promote a healthy local environment. This is paralleled by a concomitant increase in our knowledge of how specific alterations promote genital tract pathology. The objective of this course is to provide the most up-to-date information on bacterial, immunological, genetic, and biochemical factors operative in the female genital tract and how their interactions influence health and disease.

Competence

Course prerequisites

Grading Philosophy

Minimum attendance of 75%, interest and participation in discussions at lectures and seminars. Monograph delivery and evaluation will be mandatory

Course schedule

The course will focus on the following topics: 1. What is a normal vaginal microbiome? The latest findings on the composition of the vaginal microbiota in girls, adolescents and pre- and post-menopausal women will be presented. The role of individual components of the vaginal microbiota in maintaining a physiological environment also will be addressed. 2. How does the composition of the microbiome influences female reproductive tract health? Alterations in the microbiome in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydial, human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus infections and how they influence disease will be detailed. 3. How does a womans genetic make-up influence her likelihood to develop specific alterations leading to genital tract disease. Specifically, recent studies on the role of variations (polymorphisms) in genes involved in anti-microbial defense or in the magnitude and direction of immune responses will be discussed and their influence on susceptibility to various infectious and non-infectious disorders affecting women. 4. What is the contribution of epithelial cells in the female genital tract to local immunity? It is now apparent that vaginal and cervical epithelial cells contribute to immune defense by the spontaneous or induced release of many compounds that are toxic for different groups of microorganisms or that activate a productive immune response. The range of compounds released by epithelial cells, the specific conditions under which they are produced and how they contribute to genital tract health will be discussed. 5. What is the current state of knowledge of genetic, immune, microbiological and environmental factors that contribute to development of female genital tract malignancies  ovarian, fallopian tube, endometrial, cervical and vaginal cancer? Is it possible to predict the occurrence or relapse of these malignancies? 6. What is the current state of knowledge of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis? 7. What is the current state of knowledge of the causes and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome? Is there any relationship with microbiome? 8. Metabolic syndrome and microbiome: what is the link? 9. What are heat shock proteins and how do they influence health or disease? What is their role in womens health? Classes 1) The human microbioma and the vaginal microbioma. 2) Microbioma and reproductive health infections. 3) Genetic polymorphism and womens health. 4) Autophagy. 5) Malignant genital neoplasias. 6) Endometriosis: the state of the art . 7) Polycistic ovarian syndrome: what is new? 8) Heat shock proteins . 9) Enviromental and sexual factors influencing HIV transmission . 10) Reproductive genital infections during pregnancy: mother and baby consequences. 11) Immunization: where are we today? 12) Society, women, heath and disease. 13) Metabolic syndrome and microbiome. Seminars 1) Gender and Immunity: hormonal influences on local and systemic immunity 2) Infection, immunity and cancer 3) The human microbiome in health and disease: does gender differences matter? 4) Women empowerment , immunity and reproductive health infections: where do we stand ?

Course type

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Iara Moreno Linhares, Edmund Chada Baracat, Jos_ Maria Soares J_nior

Other information

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