Comparison of the Vaginal Canal Microbiota of Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Filipino Women using the 16S rDNA PCR-DGGE Method

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.