Vaginal Microbiota: Age Dynamic and Ethnic Particularities of Algerian Women

The composition of the vaginal microbiota is a key element for maintaining gynecological and reproductive health. With the aim of obtaining an accurate overview of the vaginal microbiota of Algerian women, in terms of their age and ethnic group, we conducted a 16S rRNA gene targeted metagenomic analysis of 100 vaginal samples taken from healthy childbearing and menopausal women. These data were used to establish the pattern of the vaginal microbiota during reproductive and postreproductive phases. Hormone levels were correlated to changes in microbial composition for menopausal women. The ethnic comparison revealed a particular microbiota profile for Algerian women, with a dominance of CST III and CST I. A rapid qPCR method developed by the authors was successfully used to identify the vaginal bacterial pattern for a customized gynecological management.

Automated summary

The study conducted a metagenomic analysis of the vaginal microbiota in Algerian women, revealing distinct patterns during reproductive and postreproductive phases. Hormone levels were found to correlate with changes in microbial composition in menopausal women. The study also identified a unique microbiota profile dominated by CST III and CST I in Algerian women, and a rapid qPCR method was developed for customized gynecological management based on this information.