Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Revolutionizing Research on Vaginal Microbiome Interactions Using a Vaginal Chip
Published on: February 16, 2024
Role of vaginal microbiota in idiopathic infertility: a prospective study
Chitrakshi Chopra1, Vinay Kumar2, Manoj Kumar3
1School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, 182320, India.
Objective:
The causes of idiopathic infertility are still not known; however, it may be associated with microbial etiologies. The present study examines the vaginal microbiota of infertile as well as fertile women longitudinally.
Methodology:
The study was presented and accepted by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir (India). An observational, prospective, multicenteric investigation was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College Jammu, and its affiliated hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir (India). In order to examine the microbial composition, a cohort of 80 female individuals were involved in the screening process. The investigation involved sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene, which was subsequently analyzed using the Mothur pipeline.
Results:
The study revealed that the vaginal microbiota of infertile women differed from that of healthy women who had previously given birth without any complications. Both populations have variations in their alpha as well as beta diversity and taxonomical composition. The microbial profiles in the cases of infertility are characterized by elevated levels of Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium, and Enterococcus whereas a higher level of Lactobacillus iners was observed in case of fertile women.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it can be inferred that the composition of the vaginal microbiome potentially exerts a significant influence on females afflicted with idiopathic infertility.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Infertility in Males
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

