The Urinary, Vaginal, and Perineal Microbiome: Commonalities and Differences

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Microbiome Research
• Genitourinary Health

Background:

• The composition and relationship of adjacent pelvic microbiomes in women remain incompletely understood.
• Characterizing these microbial communities is crucial for understanding pelvic health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the microbiome composition of catheterized urine, vaginal, and perineal samples from women undergoing urogynecologic surgery.
• To investigate the similarity and diversity of these adjacent pelvic niches.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene's hypervariable region 4 (V4) was performed on urine, vaginal, and perineal samples.
• Clinical data was collected, and sequence data was processed, annotated, and decontaminated.
• Alpha and beta diversity indices were computed to compare microbiome compositions within and across participants.

Main Results:

• Lactobacillus was the predominant genus across all three sites (bladder, vagina, perineum).
• While alpha diversity differed significantly across niches, beta diversity was similar, indicating comparable overall microbial community structure.
• Microbiomes within an individual were highly similar, with bladder and vaginal microbiomes being more alike than either was to the perineal microbiome.

Conclusions:

• The microbiomes of the bladder, vagina, and perineum in women exhibit significant similarity.
• These findings suggest a shared microbial environment within the female pelvic region.