Gale Bartholomew Hill | Scholars@Duke

Gale Bartholomew Hill
Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology

The microflora of the female lower genital tract is an important source of opportunistic pathogens that are etiologic in many pelvic infections, e.g., chorioamnionitis, post-partum endometrities, salpingitis, and post-operative infections. Additionally, there is strong evidence of a role in premature births. An alteration of the vaginal microflora in adult women, bacterial vaginosis, has been linked to a higher risk for the infections listed above and to premature birth. My research is directed toward 1) elucidating the specific microoranisms in the microflora most closely associated with bacterial vaginosis and prematurity, 2) understanding the control mechanisms of vaginal ecology which favor the development of bacterial vaginosis and particularly the presence of the species most etiologic in prematurity, 3) evaluating the biological and biochemical properties of these species, 4) theorizing and testing of probable pathogenetic mechanisms in prematurity based on these and other data and finally, 5) developing effective preventative measures and therapeutic modalities for bacterial vaginosis and prematurity.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology 1992

Contact Information

331 Cedar Berry Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Box 3084 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
gbh@duke.edu (919) 383-1083

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Duke University 1966
- B.S., Florida State University 1956
Duke Appointment History
- Associate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 2002 - 2010
- Associate Professor of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments 1994 - 2002
- Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with tenure, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Science Departments 1978 - 1992
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Han, Yiping W., Raymond W. Redline, Mei Li, Lihong Yin, Gale B. Hill, and Thomas S. McCormick. “Fusobacterium nucleatum induces premature and term stillbirths in pregnant mice: implication of oral bacteria in preterm birth.” Infect Immun 72, no. 4 (April 2004): 2272–79. https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.72.4.2272-2279.2004.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Techniques for isolating pelvic bacterial pathogens.” Contemporary Ob Gyn 43, no. 11 (December 1, 1998): 49–56.
  - Hill, G. B. “Preterm birth: associations with genital and possibly oral microflora.” Ann Periodontol 3, no. 1 (July 1998): 222–32. https://doi.org/10.1902/annals.1998.3.1.222.
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  - Shetty, N., G. Hill, and G. L. Ridgway. “The Vitek analyser for routine bacterial identification and susceptibility testing: protocols, problems, and pitfalls.” J Clin Pathol 51, no. 4 (April 1998): 316–23. https://doi.org/10.1136/jcp.51.4.316.
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  - Steer, J. A., G. B. Hill, S. Srinivasan, J. Southern, and A. P. Wilson. “Slime production, adherence and hydrophobicity in coagulase-negative staphylococci causing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis.” J Hosp Infect 37, no. 4 (December 1997): 305–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0195-6701(97)90147-x.
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  - Papini, R. P., A. P. Wilson, J. A. Steer, G. Hill, D. A. McGrouther, and N. Parkhouse. “Plasma concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 during burn wound surgery or dressing.” Br J Plast Surg 50, no. 5 (July 1997): 354–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0007-1226(97)90545-2.
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  - Steer, J. A., G. B. Hill, M. J. Robbins, J. C. Newton, and A. P. Wilson. “In-vitro modelling of the bactericidal activity of teicoplanin versus flucloxacillin as used in surgical prophylaxis, against Staphylococcus aureus.” J Antimicrob Chemother 39, no. 4 (April 1997): 477–81. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/39.4.477.
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  - Steer, J. A., G. B. Hill, and A. P. Wilson. “The effect of burn wound surgery and teicoplanin on the bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes against Staphylococcus aureus.” J Antimicrob Chemother 36, no. 5 (November 1995): 851–55. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/36.5.851.
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  - Hill, G. B., K. K. St Claire, and L. T. Gutman. “Anaerobes predominate among the vaginal microflora of prepubertal girls.” Clin Infect Dis 20 Suppl 2 (June 1995): S269–70. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/20.supplement_2.s269.
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  - Hill, G. B., and C. H. Livengood. “Bacterial vaginosis-associated microflora and effects of topical intravaginal clindamycin.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 171, no. 5 (November 1994): 1198–1204. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(94)90132-5.
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  - Hill, G. B. “The microbiology of bacterial vaginosis.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 169, no. 2 Pt 2 (August 1993): 450–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(93)90339-k.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Investigating the source of amniotic fluid isolates of fusobacteria.” Clin Infect Dis 16 Suppl 4 (June 1993): S423–24. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/16.supplement_4.s423.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Eubacterium nodatum mimics Actinomyces in intrauterine device-associated infections and other settings within the female genital tract.” Obstet Gynecol 79, no. 4 (April 1992): 534–38.
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  - Livengood, C. H., G. B. Hill, and W. A. Addison. “Pelvic inflammatory disease: findings during inpatient treatment of clinically severe, laparoscopy-documented disease.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 166, no. 2 (February 1992): 519–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(92)91661-s.
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  - Cuchural, G. J., D. R. Snydman, L. McDermott, P. B. Iannini, G. B. Hill, T. J. Cleary, J. P. O’Keefe, C. L. Pierson, J. D. Rihs, and S. M. Finegold. “Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States, 1989.” Clin Ther 14, no. 1 (January 1992): 122–36.
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  - Hill, G. B., O. M. Ayers, and B. Q. Everett. “Susceptibilities of anaerobic gram-negative bacilli to thirteen antimicrobials and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.” J Antimicrob Chemother 28, no. 6 (December 1991): 855–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/28.6.855.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Spiral gradient endpoint method compared to standard agar dilution for susceptibility testing of anaerobic gram-negative bacilli.” J Clin Microbiol 29, no. 5 (May 1991): 975–79. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.29.5.975-979.1991.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Spiral gradient endpoint: a new method of susceptibility testing.” Hosp Pract (Off Ed) 25 Suppl 4 (October 1990): 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548331.1990.11704114.
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  - Livengood, C. H., J. L. Thomason, and G. B. Hill. “Bacterial vaginosis: diagnostic and pathogenetic findings during topical clindamycin therapy.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 163, no. 2 (August 1990): 515–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(90)91187-h.
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  - Livengood, C. H., J. L. Thomason, and G. B. Hill. “Bacterial vaginosis: treatment with topical intravaginal clindamycin phosphate.” Obstet Gynecol 76, no. 1 (July 1990): 118–23.
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  - Cornick, N. A., G. J. Cuchural, D. R. Snydman, N. V. Jacobus, P. Iannini, G. Hill, T. Cleary, J. P. O’Keefe, C. Pierson, and S. M. Finegold. “The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States, 1987.” J Antimicrob Chemother 25, no. 6 (June 1990): 1011–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/25.6.1011.
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  - Cuchural, G. J., F. P. Tally, N. V. Jacobus, T. Cleary, S. M. Finegold, G. Hill, P. Iannini, J. P. O’Keefe, and C. Pierson. “Comparative activities of newer beta-lactam agents against members of the Bacteroides fragilis group.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 34, no. 3 (March 1990): 479–80. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.34.3.479.
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  - Hill, G. B., and S. Schalkowsky. “Development and evaluation of the spiral gradient endpoint method for susceptibility testing of anaerobic gram-negative bacilli.” Rev Infect Dis 12 Suppl 2 (January 1990): S200–209. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/12.supplement_2.s200.
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  - Cuchural, G. J., F. P. Tally, N. V. Jacobus, K. Aldridge, T. Cleary, S. M. Finegold, G. Hill, P. Iannini, J. P. O’Keefe, and C. Pierson. “Susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States: analysis by site of isolation.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 32, no. 5 (May 1988): 717–22. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.32.5.717.
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  - Kraus, V. B., J. N. Baraniuk, G. B. Hill, and N. B. Allen. “Ureaplasma urealyticum septic arthritis in hypogammaglobulinemia.” J Rheumatol 15, no. 2 (February 1988): 369–71.
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  - Gall, S. A., and G. B. Hill. “Single-dose versus multiple-dose piperacillin prophylaxis in primary cesarean operation.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 157, no. 2 (August 1987): 502–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(87)80203-x.
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  - Hill, G. B., O. M. Ayers, and A. P. Kohan. “Characteristics and sites of infection of Eubacterium nodatum, Eubacterium timidum, Eubacterium brachy, and other asaccharolytic eubacteria.” J Clin Microbiol 25, no. 8 (August 1987): 1540–45. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.25.8.1540-1545.1987.
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  - Thomann, W. R., and G. B. Hill. “Modified extraction procedure for gas-liquid chromatography applied to the identification of anaerobic bacteria.” J Clin Microbiol 23, no. 2 (February 1986): 392–94. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.23.2.392-394.1986.
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  - Tally, F. P., G. J. Cuchural, N. V. Jacobus, S. L. Gorbach, K. Aldridge, T. Cleary, S. M. Finegold, G. Hill, P. Iannini, and J. P. O’Keefe. “Nationwide study of the susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 28, no. 5 (November 1985): 675–77. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.28.5.675.
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  - Hill, G. B., and O. M. Ayers. “Antimicrobial susceptibilities of anaerobic bacteria isolated from female genital tract infections.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 27, no. 3 (March 1985): 324–31. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.27.3.324.
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  - Cuchural, G. J., F. P. Tally, N. V. Jacobus, S. L. Gorbach, K. Aldridge, T. Cleary, S. M. Finegold, G. Hill, P. Iannini, and J. P. O’Keefe. “Antimicrobial susceptibilities of 1,292 isolates of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States: comparison of 1981 with 1982.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 26, no. 2 (August 1984): 145–48. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.26.2.145.
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  - Addison, W. A., C. H. Livengood, G. B. Hill, G. P. Sutton, and K. J. Fortier. “Necrotizing fasciitis of vulvar origin in diabetic patients.” Obstet Gynecol 63, no. 4 (April 1984): 473–79.
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  - Wahbeh, C. J., G. B. Hill, R. D. Eden, and S. A. Gall. “Intra-amniotic bacterial colonization in premature labor.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 148, no. 6 (March 15, 1984): 739–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(84)90558-1.
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  - Hill, G. B., D. A. Eschenbach, and K. K. Holmes. “Bacteriology of the vagina.” Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl 86 (1984): 23–39.
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  - Sweet, R. L., M. L. Yonekura, G. Hill, R. S. Gibbs, and D. A. Eschenbach. “Appropriate use of antibiotics in serious obstetric and gynecologic infections.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 146, no. 6 (July 15, 1983): 719–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(83)91022-0.
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  - Tally, F. P., G. J. Cuchural, N. V. Jacobus, S. L. Gorbach, K. E. Aldridge, T. J. Cleary, S. M. Finegold, et al. “Susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis group in the United States in 1981.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 23, no. 4 (April 1983): 536–40. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.23.4.536.
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  - Gall, S. A., and G. Hill. “Cefoperazone as a prophylactic agent in abdominal hysterectomy.” Rev Infect Dis 5 Suppl 1 (March 1983): S200–201. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/5.supplement_1.s200.
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  - Gall, S. A., W. A. Addison, and G. B. Hill. “Moxalactam therapy for obstetric and gynecologic infections.” Rev Infect Dis 4 Suppl (November 1982): S701–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/4.supplement_3.s701.
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  - Creasman, W. T., G. B. Hill, J. C. Weed, and S. A. Gall. “A trial of prophylactic cefamandole in extended gynecologic surgery.” Obstet Gynecol 59, no. 3 (March 1982): 309–14.
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  - Gall, S. A., A. P. Kohan, O. M. Ayers, C. E. Hughes, W. A. Addison, and G. B. Hill. “Intravenous metronidazole or clindamycin with tobramycin for therapy of pelvic infections.” Obstet Gynecol 57, no. 1 (January 1981): 51–58.
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  - Hill, G. B. “[Vaginal flora in healthy sexually mature women].” Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 40, no. 11 (November 1980): 961–63. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1037245.
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  - Hill, G. B. “[Clinical comprehension of anaerobic bacteria].” Schweiz Med Wochenschr 110, no. 43 (October 25, 1980): 1554–59.
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  - Gall, S. A., and G. B. Hill. “High-dose cefamandole therapy in obstetric and gynecologic infections.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 137, no. 8 (August 15, 1980): 914–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9378(16)32832-0.
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  - Miller, J. M., G. B. Hill, S. I. Welt, and M. J. Pupkin. “Bacterial colonization of amniotic fluid in the presence of ruptured membranes.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 137, no. 4 (June 15, 1980): 451–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(80)91126-6.
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  - Miller, J. M., M. J. Pupkin, and G. B. Hill. “Bacterial colonization of amniotic fluid from intact fetal membranes.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 136, no. 6 (March 15, 1980): 796–804. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(80)90458-5.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Clinical recognition of anaerobic infections.” Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 110, no. 43 (January 1, 1980): 1554–59.
  - Hill, G. “Diagnosis of anaerobic infections--communication between the laboratory and the clinic.” Infection 8 Suppl 2 (1980): S152. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01639879.
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  - Hill, G. “Diagnosis of anaerobic infections: Communication between the laboratory and the clinic.” Infection 8, no. Suppl. 2 (1980): 152-.
  - Hill, G. B. “Effects of storage in an anaerobic transport system on bacteria in known polymicrobial mixtures and in clinical specimens.” J Clin Microbiol 8, no. 6 (December 1978): 680–88. https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.8.6.680-688.1978.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Enhancement of experimental anaerobic infections by blood, hemoglobin, and hemostatic agents.” Infect Immun 19, no. 2 (February 1978): 443–49. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.19.2.443-449.1978.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Therapeutic evaluation of minocycline and tetracycline for mixed anaerobic infection in mice.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 11, no. 4 (April 1977): 625–30. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.11.4.625.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Hyperbaric oxygen exposures for intrahepatic abscesses produced in mice by nonsporeforming anaerobic bacteria.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 9, no. 2 (February 1976): 312–17. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.9.2.312.
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  - Holland, J. A., G. B. Hill, W. G. Wolfe, S. Osterhout, H. A. Saltzman, and I. W. Brown. “Experimental and clinical experience with hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of clostridial myonecrosis.” Surgery 77, no. 1 (January 1975): 75–85.
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  - Hill, G. B., S. Osterhout, and P. C. Pratt. “Liver abscess production by non-spore-forming anaerobic bacteria in a mouse model.” Infect Immun 9, no. 3 (March 1974): 599–603. https://doi.org/10.1128/iai.9.3.599-603.1974.
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  - Hill, G. B., and S. Osterhout. “Exposure to hyperbaric oxygen not beneficial for murine tetanus.” J Infect Dis 128, no. 2 (August 1973): 238–42. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/128.2.238.
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  - Hill, G. B. “Hyperbaric oxygen exposures at 3 and 4 atmospheres absolute pressure for experimental gas gangrene: succinate protection against oxygen toxicity.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2, no. 5 (November 1972): 384–89. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.2.5.384.
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  - Hill, G. B., and S. Osterhout. “Experimental effects of hyperbaric oxgen on selected clostridial species. I. In-vitro studies.” J Infect Dis 125, no. 1 (January 1972): 17–25. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/125.1.17.
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  - Hill, G. B., and S. Osterhout. “Experimental effects of hyperbaric oxygen on selected clostridial species. II. In-vitro studies in mice.” J Infect Dis 125, no. 1 (January 1972): 26–35. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/125.1.26.
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  - Hill, G. B., S. Osterhout, and W. M. O’Fallon. “Variation in response to hyperbaric oxygen among inbred strains of mice.” Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 129, no. 3 (December 1968): 687–89. https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-129-33398.
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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

Selected Publications

Academic Articles