Scientists from the University of Paris-Cite have found that a violation of the vaginal microbiome can cause premature birth and damage to the amniotic membrane (it is a hollow organ (sack) filled with fluid (amniotic fluid) in which the embryo resides and develops). The results of the research have been published magazine scientific reports
The microbial community of the vagina differs in its composition and performs a specific function in the reproductive health of women. Its composition changes at different stages of life, from birth to menopause.
Dramatic changes in estrogen levels during pregnancy lead to changes in the vaginal microbial community that protects the fetus from pathogens. Vaginal dysbiosis, known as bacterial vaginosis, is characterized by an imbalance between the abundance of lactobacilli and Gardnerella vaginalis. They may play a role in negative outcomes during pregnancy.
The researchers included 749 women in the last trimester of pregnancy, all participants had vaginal swabs for microbiological analysis. Microbial diversity of the vaginal microbiome was analyzed in association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Premature birth was one of the adverse outcomes considered in the bacterial vaginosis study. Premature destruction of the amniotic membrane has also been associated with certain microbes.
In future work, the authors plan to explore methods to preserve the correct vaginal microbiome and develop biomarkers of vaginal dysbiosis to identify potential adverse outcomes during pregnancy.