Vaginal microbiome following orally administered probiotic

Area of Science:

• Microbiome Research
• Women's Health
• Microbial Ecology

Background:

• The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in reproductive health.
• Lactobacilli are key commensal species often associated with a healthy vaginal environment.
• Oral probiotics are explored as a strategy to modulate the vaginal microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of orally consumed lactobacilli on the vaginal microbiome composition and functional potential.
• To analyze longitudinal changes in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women during probiotic intake.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal shotgun sequencing metagenomics analysis of vaginal samples from 16 healthy Danish women (aged 19-45 years).
• Sampling at baseline (Day 0) and two follow-up points (Days 25-30 and Days 55-60).
• Identification of bacterial species and microbiome clustering.

Main Results:

• A total of 26 bacterial species were detected, including six Lactobacillus species.
• Three distinct vaginal microbiome clusters were identified, dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis, Lactobacillus iners, or Lactobacillus crispatus.
• Oral probiotic consumption showed no detectable effect on vaginal microbiome composition or functional potential in the study group.

Conclusions:

• Oral lactobacilli supplementation did not significantly alter the vaginal microbiota in healthy, reproductive-age women.
• Minor vaginal microbiome fluctuations observed were not attributable to the probiotic treatment.
• Future research should consider larger cohorts, specific conditions like bacterial imbalance, or different Lactobacillus strains.