Impact of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis on Maternal and Neonatal Microbiomes
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Hongqin, Li Hongping, Zhang Ruolin, Ji Lingxia, Chen Jun, Nie Chuan, Huang Weimin
Primary Institution: Shenzhen Nanshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to characterize the vaginal microbiome in pregnant women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and its impact on their offspring’s meconium microbiome.
Conclusion
Vulvovaginal candidiasis alters the microbiota of both pregnant women and their neonates at birth, suggesting a form of microbial inheritance.
Supporting Evidence
- The vaginal microbiome of healthy pregnant women was predominantly composed of Lactobacillus.
- Significant alterations in the vaginal microbiome were observed in the VVC group compared to healthy controls.
- The neonatal meconium microbiome exhibited significant differences between the VVC and HC groups.
- Delftia and Burkholderia were significantly enriched in the VVC group.
- Lactobacillus species were significantly decreased in both maternal and neonatal microbiomes in the VVC group.
Takeaway
Moms with a yeast infection can pass changes in their vaginal bacteria to their babies, which might affect the baby's health.
Methodology
The study involved 44 pregnant women, including 17 with VVC and 27 healthy controls, with vaginal and meconium samples collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from participant selection and exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study was limited by the inability to identify specific Delftia species and the need for a larger sample size for validation.
Participant Demographics
All participants were Han Chinese women residing in Shenzhen city.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.015
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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