Chinese scientists have published findings revealing differences between American and Chinese vaginal microbiomes, with one bacterium linked to bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth more prevalent and virulent in American women.
The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics on June 11. Researchers began collecting samples in 2018 and have now created the world’s most extensive genomic map of the female reproductive tract.
The findings underscore the need for localised medical treatments rather than standardised care based largely on Western population data. The researchers said the work fills a critical gap for Asian populations.
The team came from BGI-Research along with the Southern University of Science and Technology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing Institutes of Life Science and Fudan University.
