Role of age in mediating the association between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth.

ABSTRACT: The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in vaginal health and pregnancy outcomes. However, the influence of maternal characteristics, especially age, on the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and preterm birth is poorly understood. This study quantifies the effects of race, maternal age, and gestational age on vaginal microbiota composition using publicly available 16S rRNA sequencing data. Our results demonstrate stronger associations between preterm birth and a less optimal vaginal microbiota in White and Asian women compared to Black or African American women. The microbiota difference between preterm and term births was more pronounced in older reproductive-age women, with Lactobacillus species increasing with age only in term births. Additionally, lower alpha diver

SUBMITTER: Xie Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12172413 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature