South Middlesex Times

A global research collaboration, including a Rutgers-New Brunswick scientist, has published findings on the vaginal microbiome in Trends in Microbiology. The study is part of the Isala Sisterhood initiative, based in Belgium, which aims to create a "reference map" of vaginal microbiota. Launched at the University of Antwerp in 2020, the project now involves over 3,000 participants from various continents.

Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello, a Henry Rutgers Professor and study author, emphasized the importance of understanding vaginal microbiome diversity for improving diagnostics and treatments. She stated that this knowledge could lead to better health outcomes for women.

The researchers identified Lactobacillus crispatus as a key protective bacterium within the vaginal microbiome but noted that not all strains offer the same benefits. They found significant variations in vaginal microbiomes across different populations. Women of African and Latin American descent were reported to have lower levels of Lactobacillus species compared to those of European and Asian descent.

The study also examined how these variations relate to women's health issues like bacterial vaginosis, a common infection among women of childbearing age characterized by reduced Lactobacillus levels. The researchers highlighted that bacterial vaginosis is more an imbalance than a disease with varying health impacts.

Dominguez-Bello pointed out research gaps and biases due to most studies focusing on women from higher-income countries. She stressed the need for broader representation and clearer definitions of "healthy" vaginal microbiota.

"The findings highlight disparities in women’s health research and advocate for a more inclusive approach that considers diverse populations," she said. This would ensure equitable distribution of scientific resources globally.

The authors called for continued exploration into unexplored areas such as other microbes present in vaginal microbiomes and their connection to overall health. They suggested future studies consider geographical, socioeconomic diversity, and cultural factors.

“To promote better preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for women affected by conditions associated with the vaginal microbiota, more research on the functions and diversity of the vaginal microbiota is urgently needed in different parts of the world,” they wrote.