The Vaginal Microbiome in Reproductive Age Women

The focus of this cross-sectional study was to characterize the vaginal microbiota of asymptomatic, sexually-active, and reproductive-age women representing four self-reported ethnic groups (White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic).

Each woman self-collected two mid-vaginal swabs. The first swab was used to prepare a vaginal smear for Nugent gram stain analysis. The second swab was used for DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and detection of Candida albicans. In addition, participants measured vaginal pH and completed a detailed questionnaire on sexual health and behaviors.

• Type: Cross-Sectional
• Archiver: The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP)