Journal article
A retrospective pilot study to determine whether the reproductive tract microbiota differs between women with a history of infertility and fertile women
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vol.58(3), pp.341-348
2018
Abstract
Background: We know very little about the microbiota inhabiting the upper female reproductive tract and how it impacts on fertility. Aims: This pilot study aimed to examine the vaginal, cervical and endometrial microbiota for women with a history of infertility compared to women with a history of fertility. Materials and methods: Using a retrospective case-control study design, women were recruited for collection of vaginal, cervical and endometrial samples. The microbiota composition was analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification and endometrial expression of selected human genes by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Sixty-five specimens from the reproductive tract of 31 women were successfully analysed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (16 controls and 15 cases). The dominant microbial community members were consistent in the vagina and cervix, and generally consistent with the endometrium although the relative proportions varied. We detected three major microbiota clusters that did not group by tissue location or case-control status. There was a trend that infertile women more often had Ureaplasma in the vagina and Gardnerella in the cervix. Testing for the expression of selected genes in the endometrium did not show evidence of correlation with case-control status, or with microbial community composition, although Tenascin-C expression correlated with a history of miscarriage. Conclusions: There is a need for further exploration of the endometrial microbiota, and how the microbiota members or profile interplays with fertility or assisted reproductive technologies. © 2017 ANZJOG.
Details
- Title
- A retrospective pilot study to determine whether the reproductive tract microbiota differs between women with a history of infertility and fertile women
- Authors
- B A Wee (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyM Thomas (Author) - University of Technology SydneyE L Sweeney (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyF D Frentiu (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyM Samios (Author) - Griffith UniversityJ Ravel (Author) - University of Maryland School of Medicine, United StatesP Gajer (Author) - University of Maryland School of Medicine, United StatesG Myers (Author) - University of Technology SydneyPeter Timms (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringJohn A Allan (Author) - Wesley HospitalW M Huston (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Publication details
- Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vol.58(3), pp.341-348
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1111/ajo.12754
- ISSN
- 0004-8666
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450542202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
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