Abstract:
An accurate understanding of the composition and ecology of the vaginal
ecosystem is essential in understanding the etiology of vaginal tract-related diseases.
Furthermore, the vagina and its microbiota can profoundly affect the health of women
and their newborn infants. However, no studies have yet been made regarding the vaginal
microbiota of Filipino women. Hence, the aim of this study is to compare the microbial
diversity of healthy pregnant and non-pregnant Filipino women through metagenomics,
i.e.. isolation of genomic DNA, amplification of the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and its
internal region and analysis of similarity through polymerase chain reaction coupled with
denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Results showed moderate
similarity of the two groups with a 58% similarity of their bacterial profile. Moreover,
unique DGGE bands observed for the pregnant group may represent unique species Rom
the said group of samples. These may also serve as candidate biomarkers of maternal
vaginal flora related to pregnancy. In conclusion, a wide variety of bacterial species were
detected in both pregnant and non-pregnant Filipino women. Further investigation is
necessary to prove the utility of these species as biomarkers for pregnancy.
