Research Interests The role of normal vaginal bacteria and infections on pregnancy complications and as mediators of genital infection and susceptibility to HIV. Development of topical microbicides for prevention of STDs/HIV. The vaginal ecosystem is an important determinant for acquisition of sexually transmitted disease and a major predictor of infectious complications of pregnancy. There are presently three major emphasis areas for research that receive NIH funding. Group B Streptococcus, an etiologic agent of preterm birth and neonatal infection, is being evaluated in a study of nonpregnant women to determine whether the presence of antibody leads to colonization resistance to GBS. A second group of studies examines the in vitro and in vivo effects of vaginal microbicides on the vaginal microflora, as well as development of novel antimicrobial agents as topical microbicides. A third research area is evaluation of the effect of administration of H2O2-producing intravaginally on acquisition of urogenital infections including gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and urinary tract infection. Large studies from developing countries suggest that women who have vaginal lactobacilli may be more likely to acquire HIV heterosexually compared to women who lack vaginal lactobacilli. The long-term goal of these studies is to assess whether use of an exogenous Lactobacillus strain for colonization of the vagina can result in decreased acquisition of STDs including HIV.   Selected Publications Stoner KA, Rabe LK, Austin MN, Meyn LA, Hillier SL. Quantitative Survival of Aerobic and Anaerobic Microorganisms in Port-A-CulTM and Copan Transport Systems. J Clin Microbiol. 2008 Jun 25. Cherpes TL, Hillier SL, Meyn LA, Busch JL, Krohn MA. A delicate balance: risk factors for acquisition of bacterial vaginosis include sexual activity, absence of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli, black race, and positive herpes simplex virus type 2 serology. Sex Transm Dis. 2008 Jan;35(1):78-83. Hendler I, Andrews WW, Carey CJ, Klebanoff MA, Noble WD, Sibai BM, Hillier SL, Dudley D, Ernest JM, Leveno KJ, Wapner R, Iams JD, Varner M, Moawad A, Miodovnik M, O'Sullivan MJ, Van Dorsten PJ; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The relationship between resolution of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis and spontaneous preterm birth in fetal fibronectin-positive women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Nov;197(5):488.e1-5. Sassi AB, Isaacs CE, Moncla BJ, Gupta P, Hillier SL, Rohan LC. Effects of physiological fluids on physical-chemical characteristics and activity of topical vaginal microbicide products. J Pharm Sci. 2007 Oct 5 Beigi RH, Yudin MH, Cosentino L, Meyn LA, Hillier SL. Cytokines, pregnancy, and bacterial vaginosis: comparison of levels of cervical cytokines in pregnant and nonpregnant women with bacterial vaginosis. J Infect Dis. 2007 Nov 1;196(9):1355-60. Epub 2007 Sep 26. Complete Publication Listing   Grant Support NIH/NIAID: MIcrobicide Trials Network. Principal Investigator NIH/NIAID: Prevention of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease. Co-Investigator   Other Links Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science University of Pittsburgh

Sharon Hillier, Professor Ob/Gyn/RS Office:  Suite Ob/Gyn/RS Lab: Phone:(412) 641-6416 Fax: (412) 641-1133 shillier@mail.magee.edu   Academic Affiliations Professor with Tenure Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Professor (Secondary Appointment) Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Director, Reproductive Infectious Disease Research Magee-Womens Hospital Director, Center of Excellence in Women's Health Magee-Womens Hospital   Education 1977 B.A. Bacteriology/Public Health Washington State University Pullman, WA 1982 Ph.D. Bacteriology/Public Health Washington State University Pullman, WA