Congratulations to Dr. Shweta Bhagwat from the Santi Lab on her first-author publication, “Bacterial vaginosis toxins impair sperm capacitation and fertilization,” in Human Reproduction!
This study uncovers a new way bacterial vaginosis (BV) may contribute to infertility. BV-related toxins (LPS and VLY) were found to disrupt crucial steps sperm need to fertilize an egg, including movement, energy use, and the ability to penetrate the egg. By causing harmful calcium overload in sperm, these toxins may lower fertilization chances in patients with BV.