Short Wave A Vaginal Microbiome Transplant Could Help People With BV
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May 29, 2024 Fatima Aysha Hussain, a postdoctoral research scientist at Harvard's Reagan Institute, dives into the fascinating world of the vaginal microbiome. She shares insights on the vital role of healthy microbes in women's health and discusses her innovative study on vaginal microbiome transplants. Could one woman's microbiome help another combat bacterial vaginosis? Fatima explores the emotional struggles linked to BV and reveals groundbreaking research on donor-recipient matching and ethical considerations in this transformative field of treatment.
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Vaginal vs. Gut Microbiome
- A healthy vaginal microbiome is typically low diversity, dominated by lactobacillus crispatus.
- This differs from the gut microbiome, where high diversity is generally beneficial.
Unhealthy Vaginal Microbiome Risks
- An unhealthy vaginal microbiome, while sometimes asymptomatic, is linked to higher risks of STIs, HIV, and cervical cancer.
- It's also associated with preterm birth and other reproductive health issues.
Bacterial Vaginosis Overview
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection affecting about 30% of women worldwide.
- Characterized by diverse anaerobes, it can cause discomfort, unusual discharge, and a fishy odor.