Environmental Public Health Commons^™

The Epidemic Of Extended-Spectrum-Β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli St131 Is Driven By A Single Highly Pathogenic Subclone, H30-Rx, Lance B. Price, James R. Johnson, Maliha Aziz, Connie Clabots, Brian Johnston, Veronika Tchesnokova, Lora Nordstrom, Maria Billig, Sujay Chattopadhyay, Marc Stegger, Paal S. Andersen, Talima Pearson, Kim Riddell, Peggy Rogers, Delia Scholes, Barbara Kahl, Paul Keim, Evgeni V. Sokurenko

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

The Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) clone is notorious for extraintestinal infections, fluoroquinolone resistance, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production, attributable to a CTX-M-15-encoding mobile element. Here, we applied pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the ST131 clone. PFGE-based cluster analyses suggested that both fluoroquinolone resistance and ESBL production had been acquired by multiple ST131 sublineages through independent genetic events. In contrast, the more robust whole-genome-sequence-based phylogenomic analysis revealed that fluoroquinolone resistance was confined almost entirely to a single, rapidly expanding ST131 subclone, designated H30-R. Strikingly, 91% of the CTX-M-15-producing isolates also …

Molecular Epidemiology Of Escherichia Coli Sequence Type 131 And Its H30 And H30-Rx Subclones Among Extended-Spectrum-Β-Lactamase-Positive And -Negative E. Coli Clinical Isolates From The Chicago Region, 2007 To 2010, Ritu Banerjee, Ari Robicsek, Michael A. Kusikowski, Stephen Porter, Brian D. Johnston, Evgeni Sokurenko, Veronika Tchesnokova, Lance B. Price, James R. Johnson

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

We assessed Escherichia coli ST131 and its H30 and H30-Rx subclones for virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) type. Although both subclones were associated with ESBL production, H30-Rx isolates had higher resistance scores and were associated specifically with CTX-M-15. Three virulence genes (iha, sat, and iutA) were more prevalent among H30 than non-H30 ST131 isolates. Thus, the H30 and H30-Rx subclones are more antimicrobial resistant and have virulence profiles that are distinct from those of non-H30 ST131 isolates.

Early Chronic Low-Level Lead Exposure Produces Glomerular Hypertrophy In Young C57bl/6j Mice, Christina Sobin, John Basgen

Selected Works Temporary Series

Early chronic lead exposure continues to pose serious health risks for children, particularly those living in lower socioeconomic environments. This study examined effects on developing glomeruli in young C57BL/6J mice exposed to low (30 ppm), higher (330 ppm) or no lead via dams’ drinking water from birth to sacrifice on post-natal day 28. Low-level lead exposed mice [BLL mean (SD); 3.19 (0.70) µg/dL] had an increase in glomerular volume but no change in podocyte number compared to control mice [0.03 (0.01) µg/dL]. Higher-level lead exposed mice [14.68 (2.74) µg/dL] had no change in either glomerular volume or podocyte number. The …

On Head Lice And Social Interaction In Archaic Andean Coastal Populations, Bernardo Arriaza, Vivien Standen, Karl Reinhard, Aduto Araújo, Jörg Heukelbach, Katharina Dittmar

Karl Reinhard Publications

Archaic mummies from northern Chile were examined for the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis. The excellent preservation of mummies and louse nits/eggs permitted a study of the degree of head lice infestation. We studied 63 Chinchorro mummies (ca. 5000–3000 years B.P.) from the Arica-Camarones coast. An area of 2 cm × 2 cm on each mummy’s head was systematically inspected for louse nits/eggs. Hairs with nits/eggs and lice were collected and analyzed using optic and scanning electronic microscopy. About 79% (50/63) of the mummies resulted positive for pediculosis, with an average of 2.1 nits/ eggs/cm2 per positive individual. Microscopic …

Association Between In Utero Arsenic Exposure, Placental Gene Expression, And Infant Birth Weight: A Us Birth Cohort Study, Dennis Liang Fei, Devin C. Koestler, Zhigang Li, Camilla Giambelli, Avencia Sanchez-Mejias, Julie Gosse, Carmen J. Marsit, Margaret R. Karagas, David J. Robbins

Dartmouth Scholarship

Epidemiologic studies and animal models suggest that in utero arsenic exposure affects fetal health, with a negative association between maternal arsenic ingestion and infant birth weight often observed. However, the molecular mechanisms for this association remain elusive. In the present study, we aimed to increase our understanding of the impact of low-dose arsenic exposure on fetal health by identifying possible arsenic-associated fetal tissue biomarkers in a cohort of pregnant women exposed to arsenic at low levels.

Methods: Arsenic concentrations were determined from the urine samples of a cohort of 133 pregnant women from New Hampshire. Placental tissue samples collected from …

Diet And Toenail Arsenic Concentrations In A New Hampshire Population With Arsenic-Containing Water, Kathryn L. Cottingham, Roxanne Karimi, Joann F. Gruber, M Scot Zens, Vicki Sayarath, Carol L. Folt, Tracy Punshon, J. Steven Morris, Margaret R. Karagas

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background: Limited data exist on the contribution of dietary sources of arsenic to an individual's total exposure, particularly in populations with exposure via drinking water. Here, the association between diet and toenail arsenic concentrations (a long-term biomarker of exposure) was evaluated for individuals with measured household tap water arsenic. Foods known to be high in arsenic, including rice and seafood, were of particular interest.

Methods: Associations between toenail arsenic and consumption of 120 individual diet items were quantified using general linear models that also accounted for household tap water arsenic and potentially confounding factors (e.g., age, caloric intake, sex, smoking) …

Rapid Differentiation Between Livestock-Associated And Livestock-Independent Staphylococcus Aureus Cc398 Clades, Marc Stegger, Cindy M. Liu, Jesper Larsen, Katerina Soldanova, Maliha Aziz, Tania Contente-Cuomo, Andreas Petersen, Stien Vandendriessche, Judy N. Jiménez, Caterina Mammina, Alex Van Belkum, Saara Salmenlinna, Frederic Laurent, Robert L. Skov, Anders R. Larsen, Paal S. Andersen, Lance B. Price

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 398 (CC398) isolates cluster into two distinct phylogenetic clades based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealing a basal human clade and a more derived livestock clade. The scn and tet(M) genes are strongly associated with the human and the livestock clade, respectively, due to loss and acquisition of mobile genetic elements. We present canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) assays that differentiate the two major host-associated S. aureus CC398 clades and a duplex PCR assay for detection of scn and tet(M). The canSNP assays correctly placed 88 S. aureusCC398 isolates from a reference collection into …

Wash Education: Need For More Than Water Treatment For Floating Villages In Cambodia, Kevin Curry

2013 New England Association for Asian Studies Conference

Point of use (POU) water treatment systems are widely used around the world to provide microbiologically safe drinking water in developing countries. Work done in Cambodia by Brown et al. (2007) and Liang et al. (2010) have documented ceramic and biosand filters as cost effective point of use treatment systems capable of removing over 95% E. coli bacteria when properly used and maintained. Bridgewater State University and Water for Cambodia (WfC) explored using BioSand filters (BSF) to provide microbiologically safe drinking water for people in the Moat Khla floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake in Siem Reap Province. All …

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) In Madagascar: A Case Study Of A Neglected Tropical Disease, Sarah Grace Sawyer

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Over 50% of Madagascar’s population is infected with intestinal or urinary schistosomiasis (Rollinson et al., 2012). The disease slowly debilitates infected persons, who are frequently children, resulting in lower productivity and reduced learning in school-age children. The disease involves a vicious cycle perpetuated by a number of environmental, psychological, and social factors. A multifaceted approach, involving mass treatment, biological control, environmental control, education, and disease surveillance, can lead to schistosomiasis control and elimination in Madagascar. This would yield many socio-economic benefits such as increased productivity, increased school attendance rates, and generally better welfare. Schistosomiasis is the most burdensome and deadly …

Daviess County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Vijay Golla, Dr. Ritchie Taylor, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Richard Payne

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study for Daviess County, KY. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Daviess County Emergency Management Agency. The study area was focused in Daviess County and included a railway-monitoring site near Henderson, KY. A map of the Daviess County is shown in Figure 1.1. As part of this study, hazardous materials (hazmats) transported through the study area were monitored via placard surveys at the following sites: U.S. Highway 60 (Hwy 60), east and westbound lanes at East Fourth Street & the Hwy 60 Bypass (U.S. …

Henderson County Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study, Dr. Ritchie D. Taylor, Dr. Vijay Golla, Jacob Eagleson, Ethan Givan, Larry Koerber

Public Health Faculty Publications

This report presents the results of a Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) commodity flow study for Henderson County, Kentucky. Study components were conducted by Western Kentucky University in partnership with Henderson County Emergency Management (HCEM) and Henderson County Local Planning Committee (LEPC). Location of Henderson County and the City of Henderson in Kentucky are shown in Figure 1.1. In addition, data from an Audubon Parkway placard survey, conducted in July of 2013 for Daviess County, were used in the analysis for this report. Hazardous materials transported through Henderson County were monitored at the following sites during the study period: U.S. Highway 41 …

Epidemiology Of Esophageal Cancer, Yuwei Zhang

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Esophageal cancer (EsC) is one of the least studied and deadliest cancers worldwide because of its extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate. It ranks sixth among all cancers in mortality. In retrospective studies of EsC, smoking, hot tea drinking, red meat consumption, poor oral health, low intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, and low socioeconomic status have been associated with a higher risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Barrett’s esophagus is clearly recognized as a risk factor for EsC, and dysplasia remains the only factor useful for identifying patients at increased risk, for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma in …

Never Smokers -- Are They More Sensitive To The Respiratory Health Effects Of Ambient Air Pollution?, Zuhair Saleh Natto

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Several studies show an association between ambient particulate matter (PM) and all-cause mortality. The Adventist Health and Smog 1 (AHSMOG-1) study (N=6,338) has previously found associations between ambient air pollution and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the spatial interpolation method from the three nearest fixed monitoring stations to residence and workplace. However, few studies have assessed the risk of death among disease specific subgroups such as those with COPD.

Objectives: The aims of this study were 1) to assess the effect of chronic exposure to ambient air pollutants on risk of all-cause mortality among persons with COPD …

Overcoming Shortage Of Pharmacists To Provide Pharmaceutical Services In Public Health Centers In Indonesia, Yuyun Yuniar, Max Joseph Herman

Kesmas

Indonesia masih menghadapi keterbatasan jumlah apoteker di puskesmas, sehingga pihak pemerintah daerah dan puskesmas harus berupaya mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan ketersediaan dan distribusi tenaga pelayanan kefarmasian di puskesmas serta permasalahan dan alternatif pemecahannya. Data diambil dari hasil Riset Fasilitas Kesehatan (Rifaskes) tahun 2011I. Data kuantitatif tentang tenaga pelayanan kefarmasian di puskesmas dianalisis secara deskriptif berdasarkan regional. Data kualitatif sebagai pendukung diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam dengan bagian kepegawaian dinas kesehatan dan apoteker empat puskesmas di Kota Bogor dan Bekasi, 3 kemudian dianalisis dengan metode analisis tema. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa Sulawesi memiliki persentase puskesmas dengan tenaga apoteker …

Allostatic Load Amplifies The Effect Of Blood Lead Levels On Elevated Blood Pressure Among Middle-Aged U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study, Ami R. Zota, Edmond R. Shenassa, Rachel Morello-Frosch

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Background

Scientists and regulators have sought to understand whether and how physiologic dysregulation due to chronic stress exposure may enhance vulnerability to the adverse health effects of toxicant exposures. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine whether allostatic load (AL), a composite measure of physiologic response to chronic exposure to stress, amplifies the effect of lead exposure on blood pressure among middle-aged adults.

Methods

We analyzed associations between blood lead levels and blood pressure in a nationally representative sample of 8,194 U.S. adults (aged 40-65 years) participating in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, 1999--2008. Outcomes were elevated systolic …

Environmental Health News, Georgia Southern University

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: News & Publications (2011-2018)

• JPHCOPH Faculty Accepted as National Scholars

Juxtaposing Nasa’S Aeronet Aod With Carb Pm Data Over The San Joaquin Valley To Facilitate Multi-Angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (Misr) Pm Pollution Research, John Kanemoto

STAR Program Research Presentations

Airborne particulate matter (PM) has been shown to increase the risk for asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiopulmonary complications, and respiratory cell membrane damage/infection/leakage. PM levels are currently analyzed from two perspectives: stationary land-based monitoring (LBM) sites and total Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) atmospheric column measurements. Both perspectives often leave miles of space between measuring locations and will have a continually increasing cost from introducing/maintaining sites. The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) satellite team hopes to begin investigating/archiving PM levels comprehensively via inputting MISR AOD measurements into a function/model which predicts the amount of ground level PM.

In the future, multivariable spatial correlations …

Prevalensi Dan Faktor Risiko Tuli Akibat Bising Pada Operator Mesin Kapal Feri, Jumali Jumali, Sumadi Sumadi, Sylvia Andriani, Misbahul Subhi, Damianus Suprijanto, Wuri Diah Handayani, Abdul Chodir, Fadilatus Sukma Ika Noviarmi, Leli Indahwati

Kesmas

Kebisingan ruang mesin dapat menyebabkan gangguan pendengaran. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis prevalensi tuli akibat bising Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) dan faktor yang memengaruhi pada operator mesin kapal feri penyeberangan Ketapang-Gilimanuk. Penelitian observasional dengan pendekatan cross sectional ini menggunakan metode pengumpulan data dengan wawancara, pengukuran intensitas kebisingan ruang mesin dan pemeriksaan audiometri terhadap operator. Besar sampel adalah 66 operator dari 36 kapal feri yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dipilih secara acak. Hasil studi menunjukkan 36% kapal memiliki intensitas kebisingan ² 85 dBA dan 64% > 85 dBA. Pemeriksaan audiometri dengan nada murni pada 66 operator didapatkan 34,85% responden mengalami NIHL. Hasil …

Pengetahuan Dan Perilaku Ibu Rumah Tangga Dalam Pengelolaan Sampah Plastik, Ririn Setyowati, Surahma Asti Mulasari

Kesmas

Pencemaran lingkungan akibat sampah plastik semakin mengkhawatirkan apabila tidak ada usaha untuk mengatasinya. Masyarakat yang kurang pengetahuan dan berperilaku buruk dalam pengelolaan sampah plastik dapat menimbulkan gangguan kesehatan dan lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan antara tingkat pengetahuan ibu rumah tangga dengan perilaku mengelola sampah plastik. Penelitian dilakukan di Dusun Kedesen, Desa Kradenan, Kecamatan Kaliwungu, Kabupaten Semarang Tahun 2012. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan studi cross sectional, dengan sampel berjumlah 74 orang yang diambil secara secara acak sederhana. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan wawancara terstruktur menggunakan kuesioner. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis univariat dan analisis bivariat dengan uji statistik Kai Kuadrat (X2). Penelitian …

Livestock-Associated Methicillin And Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Is Present Among Industrial, Not Antibiotic-Free Livestock Operation Workers In North Carolina, Jessica L. Rinsky, Maya Nadimpalli, Steve Wing, Devon Hall, Dothula Baron, Lance B. Price, Jesper Larsen, Marc Stegger, Jill Stewart, Christopher D. Heaney

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Objectives

Administration of antibiotics to food animals may select for drug-resistant pathogens of clinical significance, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In the United States, studies have examined prevalence of MRSA carriage among individuals exposed to livestock, but prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. aureus (MDRSA) carriage and the association with livestock raised with versus without antibiotic selective pressure remains unclear. We aimed to examine prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and molecular characteristics of S. aureus among industrial livestock operation (ILO) and antibiotic-free livestock operation (AFLO) workers and household members in North Carolina.

Methods

Participants in this cross-sectional study were interviewed and provided a …

Model Pengendalian Demam Berdarah Dengue, Ringga Fidayanto, Hari Susanto, Agus Yohanan, Ririh Yudhastuti

Kesmas

Demam Berdarah Dengue (DBD) adalah penyakit berbasis vektor yang menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat di negara-negara tropis termasuk Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan memprediksi kejadian DBD berdasarkan faktor iklim yang meliputi curah hujan, kelembaban, suhu udara dan lama penyinaran matahari serta model pengendalian. Desain penelitian adalah studi ekologi time series dengan data sekunder dari dinas kesehatan kota Surabaya meliputi kejadian DBD dan angka bebas jentik (ABJ) serta data iklim curah hujan, kelembaban, suhu udara dan lama penyinaran matahari yang didapatkan dari Badan Meteorologi dan Geofisika Badan (BMKG) stasiun perak Surabaya. Penelitian tersebut menemukan kelembaban berkorelasi dengan angka bebas jentik, tetapi ABJ tidak …

Empowerment-Based Positive Youth Development: A New Understanding Of Healthy Development For African American Youth, Raphael Travis Jr., Tamara Leech

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

A shift occurred in research about adolescents in the general population. Research is moving away from deficits toward a resilience paradigm and understanding trajectories of positive youth development. This shift has been less consistent in research and practice with African American youth. A gap also exists in understanding whether individual youth development dimensions generate potential in other dimensions. This study presents an empowerment-based positive youth development model. It builds upon existing research to present a new vision of healthy development for African American youth that is strengths-based, developmental, culture-bound, and action-oriented. It emphasizes the relationship between person and environment, the …

Urban Agriculture Stormwater Management In California Cities, Rachel L. Cohen

Master's Theses

Cities within California are beginning to incorporate urban agriculture into their land use designations. Prompted by residents and local organizations, cities are hoping to capture the benefits that urban agriculture provides. Research has shown that urban agriculture renews and beautifies neighborhoods, provides healthy food choices, increases public health, has the potential to help with stormwater runoff, creates jobs, and fosters community. In the last few years, several California cities have made headlines as they have adopted new zoning codes that include urban agriculture.

In reviewing these new zoning codes and exploring the topic of urban agriculture, it became evident that …

Exploring Changes In Open Defecation Prevalence In Sub-Saharan Africa Based On National Level Indices, Deise I. Galan, Seung-Sup Kim, Jay P. Graham

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 215 million people continue to engage in open defecation. This practice facilitates the transmission of diarrheal diseases – one of the leading causes of mortality in children under 5 in sub-Saharan Africa. The main purpose of this study is to: estimate changes in open defecation prevalence between 2005 and 2010 across countries in sub-Saharan Africa; examine the association between national level indices and changes in open defecation prevalence; and assess how many countries can achieve ‘open defecation free status’ by 2015.

Methods

After applying selection criteria, this study analyzed country-level data for …

Genome Analysis Of Staphylococcus Aureus St291, A Double Locus Variant Of St398, Reveals A Distinct Genetic Lineage, Marc Stegger, Maliha Aziz, Tomsz Chroboczek, Lance B. Price, Troels Ronco, Kristoffer Kiil, Robert L. Skov, Frederic Laurent, Paal S. Andersen

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Staphylococcus aureus ST291 has been reported as a homologue recombinant double locus variant of the livestock associated S. aureus ST398. However, whole genome sequencing show that ST291 is a unique genetic lineage with highly variable content within its accessory genome compared to both human and livestock associated genome sequenced CC398s.

Impact Of Storm Events On Water Quality Of A Karst Stream And Implications For Public Health Protection At A Historic Landmark, Ellen R. Barringer

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

A water quality study was conducted on Lost River near Bowling Green, Kentucky. The emphasis of the study was to assess the influence of storm events on water quality and E. coli (cfu/100ml) levels. Lost River is a karst stream and flows underground for much of its course through Warren County and Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Lost River watershed is approximately 55 square miles and receives surface runoff from rural and urban land uses. Within the watershed exists the Lost River Cave and Valley, which receives secondary contact use throughout the year. A water quality assessment of multiple parameters was …

Kromium, Timbal, Dan Merkuri Dalam Air Sumur Masyarakat Di Sekitar Tempat Pembuangan Akhir Sampah, Taufik Ashar, Devi Nuraini Santi, Evi Naria

Kesmas

Tempat pembuangan akhir (TPA) sampah domestik dengan sistem penampungan terbuka sangat berisiko mencemari air tanah milik warga yang bermukim di sekitarnya melalui proses perlindian. Untuk mengetahui kandungan logam berat dalam air tanah di sekitar TPA, sebanyak 68 sampel air sumur gali (45 sumur Dusun I dan 23 sumur Dusun IV) dari Desa Namobintang Kecamatan Pancurbatu Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara, telah dianalisis dengan inductively couple plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Hubungan jarak sumur dengan konsentrasi kromium, merkuri, dan timbal diuji dengan Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s Correlation dan analisis regresi linier sederhana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan konsentrasi kromium, timbal, dan merkuri (rerata ± deviasi standar, …

Pre- And Post-Interrvention Perceptions Of Illness, Health, And The Home Environment Among Nevada Healthy Homes Participants, Michelle Ching, Shawn Gerstenberger

Interdisciplinary Research Scholarship Day

The Nevada Healthy Homes Partnership (NVHHP) is a collaborative program between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), Rebuilding Together (RBT), HELP of Southern Nevada, and other public/private housing authorities and health agencies in Southern Nevada.

Evaluation Of The Childhood Blood Lead Screening Component Of The Southern Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Melissa Breunig, Shawn Gerstenberger

Interdisciplinary Research Scholarship Day

The objective of this paper is to highlight the progress of the lead poisoning prevention program in Southern Nevada. Specifically, we present blood lead screening results for Clark County, Nevada from 2006 through 2011, and review the progress towards recommendations made by Rothweiler et al. for Nevada in 2007.7

Male Circumcision Significantly Reduces Prevalence And Load Of Genital Anaerobic Bacteria, Cindy M. Liu, Bruce A. Hungate, Aaron A.R. Tobian, David Serwadda, Jacques Ravel, Richard Lester, Godfrey Kigozi, Maliha Aziz, Ronald M. Galiwango, Fred Nalugoda, Tania L. Contente-Cuomo, Maria J. Wawer, Paul Keim, Ronald H. Gray, Lance B. Price

Environmental and Occupational Health Faculty Publications

Male circumcision reduces female-to-male HIV transmission. Hypothesized mechanisms for this protective effect include decreased HIV target cell recruitment and activation due to changes in the penis microbiome. We compared the coronal sulcus microbiota of men from a group of uncircumcised controls (n= 77) and from a circumcised intervention group (n = 79) at enrollment and year 1 follow-up in a randomized circumcision trial in Rakai, Uganda. We characterized microbiota using16S rRNA gene-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) and pyrosequencing, log response ratio (LRR), Bayesian classification, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (nMDS), and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PerMANOVA). At baseline, men …