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Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

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Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...

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The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

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Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues

Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues

Published on: October 23, 2021

Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Female Infertility: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

Qiuying Gan^1,2, Lidan Liu^3,2, Bo Liu³

¹Reproductive Center, Nanning Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China.

JBRA Assisted Reproduction

|June 22, 2026

Summary

Certain gut bacteria may protect against female infertility. This study used Mendelian randomization to find a causal link, suggesting gut health could be a target for fertility treatments.

Keywords:

Mendelian randomization causal relationship female infertility gut microbiota

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues

Characterization and Functional Prediction of Bacteria in Ovarian Tissues

Published on: October 23, 2021

Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria

Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria

Published on: May 25, 2022

Area of Science:

Microbiome research
Reproductive health
Human genetics

Background:

The gut microbiota plays a role in overall health.
The connection between gut bacteria and female infertility is not fully understood.
Investigating causal links can reveal new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and female infertility.
To utilize a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for robust analysis.
To identify specific bacterial taxa associated with infertility risk.

Main Methods:

Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from European populations.
Employed multiple MR methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis.

Main Results:

Seven bacterial taxa, including Actinomycetales and Bifidobacterium, showed a protective effect against female infertility.
Higher abundance of these bacteria correlated with reduced infertility risk.
Evidence supported a unidirectional causal relationship from gut microbiota to female infertility.

Conclusions:

Establishes a gut-reproductive axis, linking specific gut bacteria to female infertility.
Findings suggest potential for gut microbiota modulation in fertility treatments.
Highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in reproductive health.