Quantitative analysis indicates greater vaginal microbiota diversity with BV

Quantitative analysis of healthy women and those with bacterial vaginosis (BV) has revealed the diverse microbial conditions associated with the condition.

Gel electrophoresis was used to undertake quantitative analysis of two groups of 50 participants, with researchers from a number of Chinese institutions collaborating with the J Craig Ventner Institute in Maryland on the study.

Their findings, published in BMC Genomics, note the "taxonomic richness" that arises from BV, along with a dramatic increase in the diversity of vaginal microbiota.

According to the scientists, little was previously known about how BV impacts on the composition and structure of microbial communities in the vagina.

However, the condition is associated with outcomes such as easier acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases and premature birth.

Now the scientists claim that their research and findings contribute significantly to the understanding of BV.

BMC Genomics covers all aspects of analysis on the genomic scale, including proteomics and functional genomics.