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Previse preterm birth in early pregnancy through vaginal microbiome signatures using metagenomics and dipstick assays

Daizee Talukdar1, Mousumi Sarkar2,3, Taruna Ahrodia1

  • 1Functional Genomics Laboratory, Centre for Microbial Research, BRIC-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (BRIC-THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India.

Iscience
|November 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Preterm birth (PTB) in India is high. This study identifies specific vaginal bacteria linked to PTB, paving the way for a rapid diagnostic test in low-resource settings.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) is a significant global health issue, with India contributing a substantial proportion of cases.
  • Vaginal microbiome composition varies ethnically and may influence pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for addressing disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in vaginal microbiome composition between term birth (TB) and PTB pregnancies.
  • To identify specific microbial signatures associated with PTB.
  • To develop a rapid diagnostic tool for PTB-associated microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Targeted metagenomics sequencing of 600 high vaginal swab (HVS) samples from pregnant women.
  • Analysis across three trimesters from women delivering at term and preterm.
  • Development of a dipstick assay for microbial identification.

Main Results:

  • High abundance of *Lactobacillus* genera was observed in term birth pregnancies.
  • Elevated levels of *Gardnerella*, *Atopobium*, and *Sneathia* were found in early pregnancy PTB cases.
  • Specific microbial genomic signatures associated with PTB were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal microbiome composition differs significantly between term and preterm births.
  • Distinct bacterial profiles in early pregnancy may predict PTB risk.
  • A rapid, low-resource dipstick assay for PTB-associated microbiota is feasible.

Keywords:
DiagnosticsMedical scienceMedicineMicrobiologyMicrobiomeReproductive medicineWomen’s health

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