A study, understood to be the first of its kind in South Africa, investigated the virulence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women – a condition in which bacterial imbalance in the vagina puts the study population at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Rewarded for the work was Dr Kayla Padayachee (28) who received a PhD from UKZN for the study.
Padayachee, a Research Assistant at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), said STIs were often undetected in local populations due to absent or insufficient screening and surveillance measures, particularly during pregnancy. She explained that although not regarded as an STI, BV was notorious for its asymptomatic nature, resulting in an increased risk of infection and recurrence in pregnant women. In the absence of treatment, ‘this may result in gynaecological complications including premature rupture of membranes and miscarriages and may lead to more severe outcomes such as illness and death in both mothers and babies.’
Supervised by Professor Nathlee Abbai and Dr Nonkululeko Mabaso, Padayachee said there was a need to emphasise the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of bacterial vaginosis due to its negative influence on female reproductive health. Her study observed phenotypic and genotypic diversity across BV isolates, with the consequences of BV on mother and baby warranting the need for a better understanding of the drivers of the condition’s virulence.
Information regarding the pathogenesis and genetic diversity of BV may inform future strategies aimed at preventing it and could result in treatment interventions targeting the specific factors involved in propagating its virulence. The study recommended that future treatment should be guided based on these considerations and should advocate for the licensure of antibiotic medications, clindamycin and vancomycin, for clinically indicated BV in the current South African setting.
‘I am overwhelmed and filled with excitement! This has been the toughest, yet most rewarding journey of my life so far and I am extremely proud for having followed through on this major commitment,’ said Padayachee. ‘There is no greater feeling than realising your goals and achieving your dreams. I am definitely looking forward to a brighter and better future where I am able to contribute as an emerging female scientist and pioneer in the field. I aspire to become a senior scientist/principal investigator and continue my work in sexually transmitted infections and female reproductive health.’
Padayachee was born in Felixton, Richards Bay, where as a young girl she dreamed of becoming a medical doctor but all that changed when she found herself in the laboratory and she has not looked back since. Her passion for science and helping others is what inspired her to become a scientist, which she finds fulfilling.
Padayachee thanked her supportive family, mentioning that her grandfather always encouraged her to one day wear the elusive white coat just as he did. She also adopted her mother’s motto to always make informed decisions.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Supplied