Cervical Microbiome in Women Infected with HPV16 and High-Risk HPVs

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Virology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV type 16 (HPV16) and high-risk HPV (Hr-HPV), are primary causes of cervical cancer.
• The cervical microbiota, encompassing bacteria, fungi, and viruses, may also play a role in cervical cancer development.
• Previous research has not comprehensively analyzed the entire cervical microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the comprehensive cervical microbiome composition in relation to HPV infection and cervical histopathology.
• To determine how HPV infection influences the diversity of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the cervix.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cervical samples from patients with varying histopathology (CIN1, CIN2, CIN3) and HPV status.
• Bacterial community profiling to identify species and categorize groups based on Lactobacillus abundance (Lactobacilli-dominated vs. non-Lactobacilli-dominated).
• Fungal and viral community analysis, including HPV detection.

Main Results:

• 115 bacterial species were identified, with diversity differing between Lactobacilli-dominated and non-Lactobacilli-dominated groups.
• Bacterial diversity was significantly influenced by the presence and prevalence of HPV infection.
• HPV infection was found to substantially reduce the diversity of human viruses in the cervix.
• Lactobacillus iners was abundant across different histological groups.

Conclusions:

• HPV infection is a significant determinant of bacterial and human viral diversity within the cervical microbiome.
• Understanding the interplay between HPV and the cervical microbiota is crucial for insights into cervical cancer pathogenesis.