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Updated: Oct 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip
Published on: February 16, 2024
The reproductive tract microbiota in pregnancy
Karen Grewal1,2, David A MacIntyre1,2,3, Phillip R Bennett1,2,3
1Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, U.K.
Abstract:
The reproductive tract microbiota plays a crucial role in maintenance of normal pregnancy and influences reproductive outcomes. Microbe-host interactions in pregnancy remain poorly understood and their role in shaping immune modulation is still being uncovered. In this review, we describe the composition of vaginal microbial communities in the reproductive tract and their association with reproductive outcomes. We also consider strategies for manipulating microbiota composition by using live biotherapeutics, selective eradication of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation. Finally, future developments in this field and the need for mechanistic studies to explore the functional significance of reproductive tract microbial communities are highlighted.
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