Fungal-bacteria interactions provide shelter for bacteria in Caesarean section scar diverticulum

Abstract

AbstractCaesarean section scar diverticulum (CSD) is a significant cause of infertility among women who have previously had a Caesarean section, primarily due to persistent inflammatory exudation associated with this condition. Even though abnormal bacterial composition is identified as a critical factor leading to this chronic inflammation, clinical data suggests that a long-term cure is often unattainable with antibiotic treatment alone. In our study, we employed metagenomic analysis and mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the fungal composition in CSD and its interaction with bacteria. We discovered that local fungal abnormalities in CSD can disrupt the stability of the bacterial population and the entire microbial community by altering bacterial abundance via specific metabolites. For instance,Lachnellula suecicareduces the abundance of severalLactobacillus spp., such asLactobacillus jensenii, by diminishing the production of metabolites likeGoyaglycoside AandJanthitrem E. Concurrently,Clavispora lusitaniaeandOphiocordyceps australiscan synergistically impact the abundance ofLactobacillus spp. by modulating metabolite abundance. Our findings underscore that abnormal fungal composition and activity are key drivers of local bacterial dysbiosis in CSD.