Exploring the female genital tract mycobiome in young South African women using metaproteomics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Female genital tract (FGT) diseases such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections are prevalent in South Africa, with young women being at an increased risk. Since imbalances in the FGT microbiome are associated with FGT diseases, it is vital to investigate the factors that influence FGT health. The mycobiome plays an important role in regulating mucosal health, especially when the bacterial component is disturbed. However, we have a limited understanding of the FGT mycobiome since many studies have focused on bacterial communities and have neglected low-abundance taxonomic groups, such as fungi. To reduce this knowledge deficit, we present the first large-scale metaproteomic study to define the taxonomic composition and potential functional proces

SUBMITTER: Gangiah TK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11921665 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature