“Unlocking the Secrets of a Healthy Vaginal Ecosystem: The Role of Microbes”

Researchers are shedding light on the importance of microbes in maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem. Postdoctoral research scientist Fatima Aysha Hussain explains that unlike the gut, a healthy vaginal microbiome thrives on low microbial diversity, which helps reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that individuals with a high diversity of microbes in the vagina are more prone to negative health outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer, pre-term birth, and bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis, a common condition where certain microbes overgrow, can be challenging to treat, with up to 50 percent of cases recurring within months despite antibiotic treatment. To address this issue, Hussain and her team are conducting a vaginal microbiome transplant study. They are recruiting both donors and recipients to investigate whether transferring fluid from a “healthy” vaginal microbiome to individuals with recurrent bacterial vaginosis can prevent reinfection.

A recent small safety study conducted by Hussain showed promising results, with two out of four participants transitioning from a high to a low diversity “healthy” microbiome that remained stable for up to six months. The goal of a larger study is to gain a better understanding of the vaginal ecosystem and develop more effective therapies for bacterial vaginosis in the future.

To learn more about the study, visit motifstudy.org. For any questions related to the human body, email [email protected]. You can listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Support NPR’s work and enjoy sponsor-free episodes by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

This episode was produced by Berly McCoy, edited by Gisele Grayson and Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Margaret Cirino. The audio engineers were Gilly Moon and KoTakasugi-Czernowin.