Evolutionary Perspective for Human Reproduction of Vaginal Microflora Dysbiosis
Gary Ventolini (US)
[Ventolini] Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center PB
Evolutionary vaginal microbiome composition studies are crucial to understanding human reproduction. Microbioma has not been characterized in the vaginal pathology of non-human primates (NHPs). Differences between humans and NHPs include: acidic vaginal pH (humans) and acidic-alkaline (baboons), utero-cervical junction anatomy sharp ante flexion (women) compared to ventro flexion (baboons), and increased microbioma diversity in baboons. This diversity is determined by vaginal size: 10–12 cm (humans) versus 7 cm (baboons). Recently, we analyzed 64 baboons’ pathology records and vaginally evaluated the presence of human subtypes of Lactobacillus spp. and Bacterial Vaginosis-related spp. in baboons (Papio spp.) using a real-time assay polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera I, and Megasphaera II were not detected. L. jensenii, L. crispatus, L. gasseri and BVAB2 were present. These microbioma differences might be responsible for the development of specific vaginal protective mechanisms (baboons do not display increased numbers of infection-related still births and/or preterm births). Additionally, factors associated with specific pattern of placental development: shallow trophoblast invasion in baboons (cytotrophoblast’s viral infection decreases their invasive capacity) versus human’s deep trophoblast invasion promoted by decreased viral load through abundant L. crispatus