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Title
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A citizen-science-enabled catalogue of the vaginal microbiome and associated factors
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Author
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Abstract
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| Understanding the composition and function of the vaginal microbiome is crucial for reproductive and overall health. Here we established the Isala citizen-science project to analyse the vaginal microbiomes of 3,345 women in Belgium (18–98 years) through self-sampling, 16S amplicon sequencing and extensive questionnaires. The overall vaginal microbiome composition was strongly tied to age, childbirth and menstrual cycle phase. Lactobacillus species dominated 78% of the vaginal samples. Specific bacterial taxa also showed to co-occur in modules based on network correlation analysis. Notably, the module containing Lactobacillus crispatus , Lactobacillus jensenii and Limosilactobacillus taxa was positively linked to oestrogen levels and contraceptive use and negatively linked to childbirth and breastfeeding. Other modules, named after abundant taxa ( Gardnerella , Prevotella and Bacteroides ), correlated with multiple partners, menopause, menstrual hygiene and contraceptive use. With this resource-rich vaginal microbiome map and associated health, life-course, lifestyle and dietary factors, we provide unique data and insights for follow-up clinical and mechanistic research. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Nature microbiology. - London
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Publication
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London
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Nature Publishing Group
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2023
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ISSN
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2058-5276
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DOI
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10.1038/S41564-023-01500-0
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Volume/pages
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8
(2023)
, p. 2183-2195
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ISI
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001159296700003
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Pubmed ID
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37884815
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (open access)
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